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%^ ^^ ^ ci^ ^t^-?^ .S> S> <ii. 2*3^ 2^ 2i>.^ Sti <il<jl ^iii. ^ *ij^ 

I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. I 



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/'^ • 



Cljop. 



2 UNITED STATES OF X.MERICA. ^ 




a 

M 



THE 



^MERIO^JST 



GMPE GROWER'S GUIDE. 



INTENDED ESPKCX4LLY FOR THB 



3lmerirait OTJimatc 



BEING A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE GRAPE-VINE 

IN EACH DEPARTMENT OF HOT HOUSE, COLD GRAPERY, RETARDING 

HOUSE, AND OUT DOOR CULTURE. WITH PLANS FOR THE 

CONSTRUCTION OF THE REQUISITE BUILDINGS, 

AND GIVING THE BEST METHODS OF 

HEATING THE SAME. 



(Sbierg department being fullg |lbsti"atcjtr, 



n- 



BY WILLIAM CHORLTOJST 

AXTTHOR OF "THE COLD GRAPERT," ETC. 




dtp' ^'^ 



NEW YOEK: 

C. M. SAXTON & CO., AGKICULTURAL BOOK PUBLISHERS, 

140 Fulton Street. 

1856. 



Entered, (.ccordiug to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, by 

C. M. SAXTON, & CO., 

In the Clerk "s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of New York. 



EDWARD O. JENKINS, 
Stersottper and Printbr, 

2fi Fraclcfort St., N. Y. 



S^^' 



^"^ 



e> 



6'-^ 



CONTENTS 



CHAraEE I. 

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

Hardiness of natives and exotics 

Effects of mildew and excessive changes . 

Cost of houses ..... 

Skill easily acquired 

Botanists' distinctions .... 

Circumstances favorable to development . 

Evils of dogma and prejudice . 

Acclimatizing .... 

Gratification and advantage of the Grapery . 

CHAPTER II. 

HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 

Double pitch, curve, and straight line 
Single pitch ..... 
Ridge and furrow .... 
Cold Grapery : 

Most suitable houses for . 

Position for double pitch 

single pitch 

Inclination of roof 

Explanation of Frontispiece 

Ground Plan to Frontispiece . 

Calculations of profits 

House not to be used for other purposes 

Foundations, ventDators, &c. 

Internal fixings, &c. . 

Evil of cold water .... 

Situation .... 

Early Grapery : 

Suitable designs for and remarks on 

Aspect ..... 



11 
11 
12 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
16 



18 
18 
18 

18 
19 
19 
20 
21 
22 
24 
2fi 
27 
27 
28 
29 

29 
30 



IV CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

DiflSculties with outside temperature ... 30 

Description and plan of house . . , . .31 

Plan of ventilator . . . ... 32 

Advantage of inside planting . . . . .33 

Plan of house heated by flue . . . . 34 

Grapery for pot culture : 

Plan of house for . . . , , . 35 

Other houses suitable . . ... 36 

Retarding House : 

Objects of . • . .... 36 

Position and aspect . ..... 37 

Plan of double detatched house . . . .38 

Mr. "Webster's method of ventilation ... 39 

CHAPTER III. 

ARTIFICIAL HEAT AND APPARATUS. 

Reasons why it is required . . . . .40 

Steam not suitable, and why . . . . .41 

Hot water the best . . . . . .41 

Difference of material for pipes, &c. . ' . . .42 

Plan of boiler . . . , . . .43 

Brick flues, general remarks on .... 44 

Drying and parching effects of flues . . . .45 

Size and capacity of flue and furnace .... 46 

Polmaise heating, remarks on . . . . .47 

Plan of flue and polmaise combined .... 48 

CHAPTER IV. 

BORDERS, OR PREPARED BEDS. 

Importance of right preparation . . . . .49 

Bad effects of unsuitable materials . . • . 49 

Nitrogenized manure not permanent . . . .50 

Good properties of bones and lime .... 52 

Evil of over-deep borders . . . . .52 

The strongest growth not the best .... 52 

Advantages of well drained borders . . . .53 

How to make the borders ..... 53 

Oood drainage retains the moisture . . . .54 

Advantages of making only a part at first ... 55 

Too much stimulating matter not good . . , .66 



CONTENTS. 



Width of borders 

How to retain natural longevity 

Useless expenditure 



PAGE 

66 
57 
58 



CHAPTER V. 

PLANTING AND MANAGEMENT THE FIRST YEAR. 

Choosing of vines for planting .... 

When to plant ...... 

How to plant ..*... 

Careful watering required .... 

Planting vines previously started into growth 

Management through the summer . 

Attention to the roots ..... 

Necessity of a warm temperature 

Attention to the tops ..... 

Increase of air as ripening progresses . 

How to prune, &c. ..... 

Wash to kill insects ..... 

Covering for winter ..... 

Top-dressing of compost .... 

CHAPTER YI. 

MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAR, AND PERMANENT TREATMENT 
FOR THE COLD GRAPERY. 

Retarding of the buds 

How to manage the advancing growth 

Reducing of bunches 

Regulation of temperature 

Fertilizing the flowers . . . 

Application of water after blossoming 

Further reduction of fruit 

Thinning out the superfluous berries . 

Inside watering through the summer 

Outside watering through the summer 

Application of liquid manure 

A drier atmosphere and more air required later in the season 

House to be closed on frosty nights 

Fall management 

Weight of fruit to be allowed 



59 
59 
60 
61 
61 
62 
62 
63 
64 
64 
64 
65 
65 
66 



. 


. 67 


, 


67 


, 


. 68 


, 


68 


. . 


. 69 


. 


69 


. 


. 70 


, , 


71 


• 


. 72 


, 


72 


, 


. 73 


in the season 


73 


. 


74 


. 


. 74 


, , 


75 



VI 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE EARLY GRAPERY, OR FORCING HOUSE. 



Practical skill required, and remarks 

Yearly forcing not injurious . 

Covering for outside borders 

Injury from the roots being in a cold bed 

Time to prune, and commencing to force 

Evils of cold drafts of air . 

General treatment 

"Watering outside borders, and free ventilation 

Second early crop 

Journal of temperature and remarks 

CHAPTER VIII. 

POT CULTURE. 

Advantages, care required, &c. 

Comparative difference in crop 

How to economise space 

Suitable vines, compost, and potting 

General treatment .... 

Management for second fruiting . 

Application of liquid manure 

CHAPTER IX. 

RETARDING HOUSE 

Objects of the Retarding House 
General remarks, and treatment 
Caution required in pruning 
How long in the year grapes may be had 

CHAPTER X. 

LIST OP VARIETIES. 

Remarks on the confusion of kinds 

Exotics, descriptive list 

Cold Grapery, the best kinds for . 

Forcing House .... 

Retarding House . . , 





V\GK 


, 


. 11 




79 


. 


. 80 




■«0 


. 


. 83 




84 


, 


. 85 




86 


, 


. 87 




88 



91 
92 
93 
93 

95 
96 
97 



98 

98 

101 

102 



104 
105 
112 
112 
113 



CONTENTS. 



VI i 



Pot culture ..... 

Remarks on Muscats 

Native Grapes, varieties of . 

CHAPTER XI. 

PRUNING AND TRAINING. 

General remarks .... 

Double spur method .... 

Single close spur method 

Long rod ** 

Renewal " . 

Extension " ... 

To produce temporary full crop 

Longevity of the grape vine . 

Weight of fruit that a vine will produce 

Advantages of extension 

Summer pruning .... 

Evils of shortening in too close 

Curtailing the plant's energy shortens life 

CHAPTER Xri. 

PROPAGATION AND THE RAISING OF NEW KINDS. 

Propagation by eyes ..... 

■ cuttings . . , . . 

coiling . 

layers . ... 

• layers suspended 

grafting ..... 



— inarching 

— seed 



The raising of new kinds 
Improvement that may be made . 
National profits 
Hybridizing, or cross-breeding 

CHAPTER Xin. 

DISEASES. 

Mildew ; 
Different kinds, and first indication 
Oidium, its appearance 



113 
lU 
115 



116 

117 
119 
120 
121 
122 
124 
125 
125 
126 
126 
128 
129 



131 
132 
133 
134 
13i 
135 
1.37 
138 
138 
139 
140 
141 



143 
143 



Vlil CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Time of appCxarance ...... 144 

Sulphur a remedy . . . . . . ' 145 

Botryiis described . . . . . 145 

How fungolds A'egotate ..... 146 

Kinds not injurious ...... 148 

Shrivel and shank : 

General remarks . . . . . .148 

Various causes — how produced . - . .149 

How to prevent ..*.... 150 

Dry rot in the roots : 

Indications ....... 151 

Other kinds of rot, and how to prevent . . .151 

Rot in the fruit : 

The cause, and how to remedy . • . . 153 

Spot: 

The probable cause ..... 154 

Remarks on watering overhead .... 154 

CHAPTER XIV. 

INSECTS AND HOW TO DESTROY THEM. 

Remarks and different kinds . . • . . 156 

Red spider, scaly and mealy bugs .... 157 

Green and black fly, thrips, fretters, rose bug . . 158 

Beetles, moths ...... 159 

CHAPTER XV. 

THE VINEYARD AND OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 

General remarks . . . . . .161 

Bad effects of damp air and undrained land . . .162 

Carbonate of lime, its good effects .... 163 

Choice of situation . . . . . .164 

Preparing the land . . . . . .165 

Action of cold air . . . . . .166 

Formation of terraces . . . . .167 

Trellises and supports . . . . . .168 

Planting and choosing plants . . .. .169 

After-treatment ....... 170 

Training over arbors, &c. ..... 171 



PREFACE. 



Owing to tlie favorable reception of my monograph, 
the Cold Grapery, by those who are interested in grape 
culture, and the commendations of intelligent practical 
cultivators of this luscious fruit, I have determined to 
comply with the rec[uest of friends, by giving a more 
comprehensive edition, with the hope that my humble 
efforts may be of service to the public. 

What is recorded is simply an explanation of my own 
experience and observation, and an expression of my 
deliberately formed opinions. The method here given 
has been successful hitherto, and is founded upon the 
practice of the last quarter century. I have endeavored, 
as much as possible, to give a common-sense view of the 
whole routine, to embody every idea required in each 
department, and labored to make the detail concise, yet 
plain. 

Such as it is, I submit it to a discerning and intelligent 
public, and shall be amply repaid for my trouble, if it 
shall hereafter be the means of extending a true know- 
ledge, of the subject on which it treats. 

William Ohorlton. 

Axiv BrigUon, Staien Island. • 



OHAPTEB I. 
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 

"VVe find, from history, that the grape-'vine has been 
one of the most esteemed and essential fruits from the most 
remote periods of antiquity. Its cultivation has followed 
the migrations of civilized man into all climes suitable to 
its prosperity, and, since the erection of glass houses has 
been understood, has become adopted into many countries 
where it otherwise could not succeed. 

In the United States, the different varieties of the native, 
Viiis Labrusca, as Isabella, &c., and those of the native 
Vitis vulpina, as Scuppernong, &c., with ordinary treat- 
ment, flourish, and ripen their fruit in the open air ; while 
those of the exotic, Vitis vinifera, as Chasselas, Ham- 
burgh, &c., have, excepting in a few solitary instances, 
proved a complete failure, from their tendency to become 
mildewed. In most parts of the Union, there is sufficient 
light and heat to bring the different varieties of the latter 
species to maturity, and they are hardy enough to resist 
the cold, but unfortunately, when the disease (allow the 
expression) attacks them, the free action of growth is 
checked, the energy is impaired, and instead of well- 
hardened wood, there is nothing but an unripened, sappy 
substance, to withstand the severe winters. The fruit 
also is rendered worthless from the same cause; and 
although many attempts have been tried, with the most 
sanguine expectations, they have been as often abandoned. 
This evil is the result of the growth of fungoid vegeta- 

Cll) 



12 THE GRAPE. 

tion, the development of which is accelerated by the ex- 
cessive changes from dry to moist, from heat to cold, and vice 
versa. Fortunately> the erection of glass houses is now 
so well understood, and material is so cheap, that we have 
a ready antidote ; for, by planting inside these structures, 
Ave are enabled to equalize the temperature and overcome 
the difficulty. There is also the advantage, if we take the 
whole range of the subject, of being able to cut ripe grapes 
nearly the whole year round ; and even as a general crop 
in the cold grapery, with a proper selection of sorts, a sup- 
ply may be obtained from the middle of July, or the be- 
ginning of August (according to locality), on to near the 
end of December. 

Generally it has been thought that the cultivation of 
this desirable fruit was prohibited to all but the most 
wealthy, on account of expense, and peculiarly myste- 
terious skill. As to the first difficulty, good and suitable 
houses can be erected, when heating apparatus is not 
attached, at from $8 to $14 per running foot, on the 
length of the house, with all conveniences included, and 
proper fertilizing materials are no great expense ; so 
that this obstacle can be removed even by those of humble 
means. In making the above assertion as to cost, it is 
not presumed that the lesser amount will complete a 
stately building, but a snug and well adapted small house, 
such as many would like, can be finished for that amount ; 
and the greater sum will furnish a profit to the builder, on 
a structure sufficiently elegant and commodious to gratify 
the most wealthy or fastidious. With regard to the 
skill, if the directions hereafter laid down (with a little 
observation added) be acted upon, a sufficiency of prac- 
tical knowledge will soon be acquired ; for these direc- 
tions are the result of the author's experience, and 
arc only what have been and are still being actually 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 13 

accomplished by good grape-growers. Many have been 
prevented from commencing by seeing the many fail- 
ures that have occurred, the small number of successful 
cases, and the hitherto almost general " say," that it is 
absolutely necessary in all cases to have fire heat. But 
we are dawning upon a new era in these respects, and the 
alacrity and determined enthusiasm with which many have 
now come into, and others who are beginning to €nter the 
field, will go far towards dispelling these fears, and will 
eventually drive out prejudice. ISTo fruit-bearing plant 
will give greater satisfaction than the grape-vine, and 
nothing horticultural will continue to prosper without it. 
All that is wanted are a few right ideas, and the writer 
has done his best to discharge his duty, feeling convinced 
that ere long the grape-house will be considered as neces- 
sary an adjunct to an estate, however small, as at present 
is a peach-orchard. 

Botanists disagree with respect to the classifying of the 
genus vitis, some making the species very numerous, and 
others only dividing it into well-marked specialities, thereby 
simplifying and rendering the differences more distinct. 
There are some men so fond of dividing and subdividing 
nature's distinctions according to their own fickle whims 
and fancies, that, Avere we always to follow them, it would 
take a lifetime to begin to understand their abstract con- 
nections ; and as these individuals have in many cases 
become authors, and consequently are referred to as au- 
thority, there is some apology for the novice wandering 
in the maze of misunderstanding which they have to some 
extent established. Such men ought to take a course of 
practical lessons in hybridization, and see the results, be 
fore publishing their manuscripts, when they would dis 
cover that many of their so-called species are no more 
distinct than some of the varieties which may be artifi- 



14 THE GRAPE. 

cially produced. However, this has little to do with us in 
the present subject, further than the understanding of the 
difference between our natives and the exotics, and here 
it would appear that the constitutional properties alone 
are sufficient to make a true natural division ; for, unless 
we are greatly mistaken, there has not been one variety 
of foreign origin, or yet a seedling, direct from the same 
source, which can be truly verified as withstanding the 
changes of our climate, with the same pertinacity as the 
natives. 

The exotic grape-vine is a native of, and flourishes the 
best in warm, even, and comparatively dry climates ; its 
organization is such as to require a long, steady, and warm 
season to perfect its growth. Under favorable circum- 
stances, it pushes forth a vigorous development, and ab- 
sorbs a large quantity of nutriment from the soil, if encour- 
aged to the full extent of its powers. The broad and 
ample foliage perspires and respires very freely. Hence 
it follows, that the atmosphere in which it is growing 
should be most particularly adapted to the various stages 
of growth. Practical experience shows this to be deci- 
dedly the case ; for, when not attended to, the most inju- 
rious consequences follow. 

Heat is the cause by which the sap is set in motion in 
the spring, and when it is once excited, the action is grad- 
ually increased along with the rising temperature, until 
eventually the whole energies of the plant are brought 
into active play. Light and moisture, combined with 
heat, are essential to its welfare ; they encourage this 
action, and enable the plant to develop and mature its 
growth to its fullest capacity. This being the case, it is 
easy to see that in so vigorous a grower as the grape-vine 
a great amount of these three elements is required. This 
I would most particularly impress upon all grape-growers. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 15 

Heat, light, and moisture are the main requisites; yet 
these elements are generally too sparingly administered, 
although the grape-vine requires them all in abundance 
while growing freely. 

It would be well if all cultivators were to study more 
closely the laws by which the vegetable world is gov- 
erned ; were it so there would be fewer failures. We are 
attached too much to set notions, and follow the blind 
practice of prejudice oftener than we ought ; and if we 
add to this the great number of pretenders who swarm 
over the country, there is no occasion to wonder at the 
many failures. Let it not be thought that I wish to de- 
preciate the character of the skilful horticulturist, for we 
have many men who are an honor to the calling, — well 
qualified to give advice, and under whose care the grape 
vine is as well managed as in any part of Europe ; but 
while wishing to do all in our power to uphold the pro- 
fession, we should raise our voice against those egotistical 
empirics who often deceive the unwary, waste the pro- 
perty of those who employ them, and bring ruin to many 
a horticultural establishment. In no department is this 
more often seen than in the grapery, where the weak 
growth, the ill-fed papery leaves, and spare fruit tell a 
woful tale of mismanagement. Yet no fruit-bearing plant, 
yields more readily to the wishes of the cultivator, or will 
bear more illtreatment than the grape, and if other fruits 
had to be managed as artificially as this requires to be 
under glass, there would be in them more failures, than it 
is subject to under inexperienced hands. 

Although there is much skill required in the cultivation 
of this fruit in all its bearings, there are none of those 
superannuated nostrums, or mysterious dogmas required, 
that these quacks prate about, and the necessary know- 
ledge is readily acquired. The main secrets are, to under- 



IG THE GRAPE. 

stand tlie constitiitional habits, and adapt our treatment 
accordingly. Now, if Ave take into consideration, as stated 
above, that the exotic grape-vine is indigenous to, and 
flourishes best in those countries Avhich have long and 
steady summers, and that those same localities are com- 
paratively dry during the periods of rest, it seems only 
reasonable that we should keep up a warm and equable 
temperature during growth, and also have the roots in a 
well-drained, or naturally dry substratum, — so far for its 
natural recpirements. All that we have so far done, by 
attempting to acclimatize the grape, has not yet overcome 
these physical difficulties, neither will any future attempts 
succeed, unless we get a race of seedlings, crossed with the 
native varieties, and raised in our own climate. By en- 
couraging vigorous development, by a moist atmosphere, 
added to this required steady heat, and afterwards concen- 
trating the collected juices by a further continuance of 
the latter principle, with air more freely admitted until 
the approach of maturity, afterwards reducing the tem- 
perature, and moisture as ripening progresses, it will bend 
to the will of the most fastidious enthusiast. 

By the aid of glass houses, either with or without arti- 
ficial heat, all this can be accomplished, and as they can 
be erected of any size to suit the pecuniary means, or 
caprice of different persons, a grapery is within the reach 
of a poor man. How gratifying would it be to the me- 
chanic, and small tradesman, to have attached to his 
homestead a small house of grapes, — what an appendage 
to his little domain, and with what exulting feelings would 
he view his crop as "he sat under his own vine," and 
watched with an enthusiastic pleasure the several stages 
of bursting buds, flowers, and fruit, knowing that he could 
enjoy his own luscious grapes, equal in quality with those 
of the most wealthy proprietor in the land, or the great- 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 17 

est nabob in aristocratic Europe. This pleasure may be en- 
joyed by most persons. Half the money that is often 
spent in " gingerbread" decorations, miscalled ornaments 
around a dwelling-house, would erect a little grapery, 
which in many places might be attached to, or cover one 
end of the building, having a door leading into it from the 
house : and let not the wife or daughters think the neces- 
sary attentions required during the absence of the " gude 
man," to be a degrading pursuit, for it is no mean occupa- 
tion. Woman never yet lowered herself by being seen in 
the garden, or by obtaining a knowledge of plants, and 
rural affairs, and it is surely far better to be employed in 
healthful exercise, such as is here furnished, than to be 
lolling from morn to night, inanimate, as it were, upon the 
downy sofa, reading exciting and voluptuous novels, and 
assisting the seeds of consumption to germinate. "Would 
that we could induce our accomplished matrons, and fair 
belles to take a more active part in the operations of hor- 
ticulture. Why should these departments be considered 
too masculine for woman's position in society ? 



CHAPTER 11. 
HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 

There has been from time to time, much controversy 
respecting the various kinds of structures which are most 
suitable, for cultivating the grape vine. Some advocate 
the curved line, double pitch; others again, the straight 
line, double pitch. Some, from a preference for old no- 
tions, think none so suitable as the common lean-to, while 
a few who have advanced a step out of this position, 
will admit instead of the common plane lean-to, a roof 
with a curved line. Latterly a new notion has sprung up, 
and we find the ridge-and-furrow-formed roof is gaining 
an ascendancy. 

In order to make this part more easily understood, it is 
divided into the Cold Crapery, or growing without artifi- 
cial heat ; Forcing House, Forcing House for Pot Culture, 
and Retarding House. 

Cold Grapery. — The Jbrm of the house for this pur- 
pose is not so material, as the having it so constructed, 
that it may be shut up tight in cases of emergency. With 
this precaution, good glass, and good management, any 
style will answer the purpose; consequently the build- 
ing may be erected to suit almost any fanciful design 
which the architect may choose, providing there is con- 
venience for training the vines properly, and at a suitable 
distance from the glass ; and if thought proper the whole 
surface may be of glass, for while this house is being 
worked, there is not much cold weather to contend with. 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 19 

nothing more than can be guarded against by closing up. 
If there is any preference for general utility, the curve 
line double pitch ought to be chosen, as from the convex 
surface which is exposed to the sun's rays, at whatever 
altitude he may be, the intense heat is somewhat scat- 
tered, there is less danger of the leaves being scorched, 
and the light is also more equally distributed ; this form 
is also generally considered the most agreeable to the eye. 

Whatever style of double pitch be adopted, the ends 
ought to face north and south, or as near these points as 
may be convenient, — although a few degrees, variation 
either way is not of much consequence. By placing the 
house in this position, both sides receive the influence of 
the sun equally ; besides in the middle of the day, when 
his rays are most intense, they are partly warded off by 
striking obliquely upon the sash-bars above, which on the 
whole length of the house, acts as a considerable shade. 

In some cases, it may be desirable to cover a dead wall 
or side of a building ; or it may be requisite that the cold 
grapery should be connected with a line of early forcing, 
or plant houses, when the lean-to roof will be most con- 
venient, but there is no other advantage in adopting 
it, for with a double pitch, having two rows of pillars 
inside, one on each side of the central pathway, both 
sides may be planted, thus accommodating a double quan- 
tity of vines ; besides there is no back wall seen, and it 
shows better taste in the proprietor. Where the avoiding 
of expense is an object it is also the cheapest, considering 
the number of plants provided for. Where the lean-to is 
adopted, the south-east, or south-west aspect is best, 
though full south is not objectionable, and grapes may be 
well ripened when the house faces due east or west. 
Further north than these two points cannot be considered 
suitable. In case it may be wished that the Cold Grapery 



20 THE GRAPE. 

should correspond with some peculiar style of architecture 
in the dwelling-house, or other contiguous buildings (and 
these points ought often to be considered), the ridge-and- 
furrow roof ofiers the greatest facilities, as it nlay be 
adapted to almost any form, without destroying its effi- 
ciency, for the vines can be trained horizontally under the 
roof; the grapes also look very handsome in this position 
as they hang perpendicularly down from the whole sur- 
face above. The canes in this case may be conducted 
along the under surface of each furrow, and the side spurs 
fixed at right angles, which enables the operator to arrange 
the bunches with the nicest regularity. 

With respect to tha inclination of the roof, it is desira- 
ble that it be not less than 45, '^ for the following reasons : 
our almost vertical sun at midsummer, when there is the 
greatest danger of scorching, will, at mid-day, strike the 
glass at an oblique angle, thus lessening its intensity and 
to a certain extent counteracting the evil. The glass 
being more upright, the wind or draft admitted through 
the laps, will be somewhat intercepted, and confined more 
immediately to the inner surface of the roof, which will 
ensure a more equable temperature around the leaves and 
stems, preventing somewhat the tendency to mildew. A 
steep roof also gives an additional length of rafter on a 
given width of house, which is an advantage, as the vines 
with the general modes of training, have more extent to 
develop their energies, and produce individually greater 
crops. 

The frontispiece to this work is designed for the pur- 
pose of showing a comple arrangement of the grapery to 
suit all purposes, and at the same time to form a beautiful 
architectural structure. Allowing the Cold Grapery to be 
fifty feet long by twenty feet wide, and the others col- 
lectively to be one hundred feet long by twenty-five feet 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 21 

wide, the whole could be finished and every convenience 
included for about $2500. The main front is shown in 
the ground plan, Fig 2, to face full south. In such case it 
will be understood that the Retarding House would have 
a due north aspect, which is somewhat a disadvantage, as 
the sun would have little effect upon it. In order to 
remedy this, one-third in depth of the upper part of the 
central longitudinal division wall might be of glass, which 
would allow a considerable portion of light to pass through 
from the southern side, and thereby obviate the evil. Such 
a contrivance is now under the charge of the writer in a 
house for flowering plants, and answers admirably. There 
is, however, no objection, where circumstances will permit 
of choice in location, to the placing of the front aspect a 
few degrees east of south, which would in an equal ratio 
turn the northern side towards the west, indeed all things 
considered it would be as well for aU requirements. If a 
Retarding House be not wanted, the northern side might 
be converted into a neatly finished row of convenience 
rooms, or if this were objected to, it would make as fine a 
house for apricots, camellias, oranges, or such like, as 
could be desired. It is intended by the plan to fix the 
heating apparatus in a cellar beneath the northern divi- 
sion, and the boilers or furnaces near each other and adja- 
cent to the chimney, each flue being conducted into the 
main outlet as shown in Fig. 10. If the cellar were re- 
jected, the north-east portion might be employed for the 
same purpose ; but in the former case all nuisance is 
prevented, and the whole building would be composed of 
a surface of glass, from the wall plates to the ridges. 

Fig. 3 shows an interior view of a Cold Grapery, now 
under the writer's charge, which is 74 feet long, 20 feet 
wide, and 14 feet high, from the base level; there is a 
cistern sunk beneath near the centre, 12 feet deep by 12 



22 



GROUND PLAN TO FRONTISPIECE. 



^J?K^'* 



nun 




HOUSES AND CONVENIKNCES. 



23 



feet wide, and a force pump, hose, and tank for tempered 
water. The house rests upon strong cedar posts, and the 
borders are 20 feet wide each, outside; the inside like- 
wise is prepared in the same manner, which gives an ex- 
tent of 60 feet extreme breadth. For proportions and 

Fig. 3. 




Inside View of the Cold Grapery of J. C. Green, Esq , Staten Island. 



style, this house is considered, by most persons who have 
seen it, to be satisfactory in every respect. The vines 
were planted in March, 1850, and there has been the fol- 
lowing number of bunches, of good quality, cut in the 
respective years mentioned below : 

1851, ... 262 bunches 

1852, .... 618 " 

1853, ... 918 

1854, , . . .1147 



Making a total of 



2945 



24 THE GRAPE. 

There is nothing extraordinary in the above produce, more 
than others may accomplish ; it is only an average of what 
proper management and attention will do, and is more par- 
ticularly introduced, as an answer to the oft repeated 
question, *'will iKpay?" The average weight of these re- 
spective crops, if taken collectively, would be one pound 
per bunch, all of which might have been sold at whole- 
sale for fifty to seventy-five cents per lb. The following 
calculation of expenses, which is as correctly stated as 
can be, will show the balance of profits : 

2945 lbs at 50 cts. . . . $1472 50 

Deduct labor 1st year. . . $50 00 

"2d " ... 100 00 

" " 3rd "... 150 00 

" " 4th " , . . . 200 00 

" " 5th " . . • 225 00 

Yearly dressings, $20. . . .100 00 

Repairs, painting, &c., ... 200 00 1025 00 



$447 50 

By the above example it will be seen, that there 
is $447 above the lowest wholesale market prices and 
as the house, borders, &c., cost about $2000, it leaves 
a surplus profit of 4|- per cent, per annum, upon invested 
capital, which in the present position looks somewhat low, 
but it must be considered, that in this case, profit was not 
the object, everything was done, regardless of expense, 
to make a good and fine looking structure ; the best French 
crystal glass was used, and all labor paid by the day, 
besides, in the first year there is no return profit, and the 
last season is the only one, in which a full crop has been 
taken ; take into consideration too, that the labor account 
for after management is reckoned at $2 per day, and it 
will readily be seen, that a good nnd suitable house may 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 25 

be built and tended so as to give a large return of profit. 
A bouse of equal dimensions, and well finished can be 
erected at $12 per lineal foot, with the exception of cis- 
tern, force pump, hose, and tank ; and if we make an es- 
timate of all incidental expenses on a house eq[ual to the 
above, and 50 feet long, it will stand thus : 

House finished with two coats of paint, 

50 feet long at $12.00 , . . $600 00 

Brick cistern, cemented, 10 ft. by 10 ft. . 70 00 

Tank, Force Pump, and Hose. . 

25 tons manure for borders at $2. . 

Material for drainage. 

90 bushels bones, at 50 cts. 

100 do. charcoal, &c. 

Labor making borders, &c. 

48 vines, at 50 cts, . 

$934 00 
The comparative weight of fruit that may be taken from 
the latter will be about two-thirds, or 1964 lbs. at the same 
prices, making the total value for the five years of $982, 
and allowing the labor, expenses, &c., to be the same com- 
paratively in both cases, we may put down $298 gain upon 
a capital of $934, wdiich shows a profit of about six per 
cent, per annum, and this too at the commencement. If 
we were to reckon upon after years, when the vines, 
would bear regularly full crops ; it will readily be seen that 
the profits would be much greater, and that with good 
management, there is no loss in having a Cold Graj>cry 
even though partial failures may occur. 

When the grape-vine is to be grown to the greatest per- 
fection, the house ought not to be applied to any other 
purpose. It appears, at first thought very reasonable to 
suppose, that for a general or summer crop of grapes, the 
2 



90 


00 


. 50 


00 


20 


00 


. 45 


00 


15 


00 


. 20 


00 


24 


00 



26 THE GRAPE. 

house may serve as a winter conservatory for flowering 
plants, but experience shows, that however late the vines 
may be kept back in the Spring, the buds will burst before 
the weather is suitably mild to turn the plants out, and 
into the open air ; and at this time the vines will require 
a temperature peculiar to themselves, which would gene- 
rally be too damp and close for the plants, many of which 
at the time, will be in a blooming state, requiring more air 
and a cooler atmosphere, than will be suitable for the 
vines ; besides it is almost impossible to keep down insects 
in a house where plants are kept. There is some excuse 
in an early forced grapery, which is so congenial to the 
well being of some natives of the tropics, but as a general 
greenhouse requires heating and the cold grapery does not, 
the expense of two houses is not so great, compared with 
the advantage to be gained ; therefore if possible, it is 
much better to have two houses where both arc wanted. 
If pecuniary benefit be an o])ject it is also more profitable, 
for the grape if well dealt by, will be honest in return, and 
pay a large per-centage upon capital, independently of 
ordinary expenses of labor, &c., but when neglected the 
reverse is the case. 

In order to give free range to the roots it is advisable 
to erect the house upon stone pillars, or locust, or cedar 
posts, (each of which ought to bo directly beneath a rafter,) 
which will allow them free egress to the outside borders. 

There are several ways by which these houses may be 
ventilated, perhaps the most convenient is to admit air at 
the top, and near the bottom, or under the wall plate. 
The lower opening ought to be made so as to shut very 
tight, as the admission of cold drafts from below has a 
tendency to reduce the heat in the lower base of the house 
— the very part which, if possible, ought to be the warm- 
est. Nature here teaches us a lesson, and it would be well 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 27 

if we always gave ear to her instructions — the sun's rays 
strike the earth, and produce the greatest heat at the sur- 
face. She has no fixed confining canopy over the plants 
under her charge to prevent the heat from passing up- 
ward, and if we are obliged to have such, we ought not 
to render our necessities more unnatural than there is occa- 
sion for. Keep the head cool and the feet warm, is ad- 
vice often given by our physicians, and the same rule 
applies to plants generally, with very slight modifications. 

If the roof be made with sashes to slide over each other, 
which is the method best adapted for removal of the 
house at any future time, the upper ones will become the top 
ventilators ; but when it is fixed, and composed of a con- 
tinuous row of sash bars over supporting rafters underneath, 
the openings require to be lifted up from the bottom, and 
hung on the opposite end by hinges, or suspended by the 
middle on each side, and opened- on a pivot. When hung 
by hinges the sides may rest upon the rafters, and the 
lower end project a little over the next squares of glass, 
thereby making it proof against drip, and this is perhaps 
the best plan, for beside being safer against rain, air can 
be admitted and the temperature lowered, without cold 
draughts striking down into the house. If hung from the 
sides there are no effectual means of capping, and however 
good the joints may be, the rain will find its way through 
more or less in time of violent storms. 

The internal fixings required, are wires to support 
the vines, a tank to hold water while being tempered in 
the house, a hose with a pipe attached to distribute 
the water, and a force-pump to supply the hose. The 
wires are most convenient when placed parallel with the 
sash-bars, and about fifteen inches below the glass, which 
will be sufficient to clear the leaves from contact ; if less 
space is allowed, the foliage of vigorous vines will touch 



28 THE GRAPE. 

the roof, and are more exposed to tlie changes of tempera- 
ture, their action also will be impeded by being cramped, 
but a greater distance than is actually required is objec- 
tionable, as the nearer the glass the better. 

For a large house, a tank that will hold about two hun- 
dred gallons will be requisite, and for a smaller house, 
one in proportion. This tank during the earlier growing 
season ought to be kept full of water, so that when used 
it may be of the same temperature as the inside of the 
house. Cold water applied immediately Jrom an under- 
ground cistern, or well, suddenly checks the action of all 
plants, and ought by all means to be guarded against. 
The force-pump may be attached to the tank, and if an 
air-tight metal globe be fixed over the discharge pipe, on 
the same principle as a fire engine, a steady stream will 
be propelled through the hose. By having two faucets on 
the lower pipes, one leading to the tank, and the other 
from the cistern below, there is no need for two pumps, as 
they may be shut, and opened, so as to answer the double 
purpose of drawing water from the cistern, or distributing 
it from the tank over the house. For a small grapery 
where economy is an object, a common syringe may be 
used instead of the hose, but in a large house the force- 
pump is more economical, and has the advantage of ena- 
bling the operator to drive the water well into the crevices 
of the wood-work, which greatly assists in keeping clear 
of insects. 

If there is not a good supply of soft water close at hand, 
it is desirable to have a cistern sunk under or immediately 
near the house, and the water conveyed into it from the 
roof by gutters and pipe, which saves much labor, beside 
the benefit of always having rain water, which is the best 
for all plants. 

The situation of the Cold Grapery is a matter of import- 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 29 

ance, and in making arrangements ought not to be lost 
sight of. It should be freely exposed to light and air on 
all sides, if possible, away from the shade of trees or sur- 
rounding buildings, and if sheltered on the north, east, and 
west, so much the better ; but it is best for this to be a 
sufficient distance, so as to secure a free action of the air 
around. Shelter is not indispensably necessary, but if 
practicable, is of use, as it assists in warding off the cold 
winds, which often prevail until late in spring, and after 
the vines have begun to grow. 

The Early Grapery. — When the grape is produced as 
an earlier crop than the cold grapery will furnish, we have 
to resort to artificial heat, and with our ever variable 
climate, particularly during the frigid blasts of the latter 
part of winter, it becomes requisite, that we should have a 
tight and well protected house to work with ; so that 
variety of design has in this case to succumb to circum- 
stances. When a warm temperature has to be kept up 
by means of fuel, economy ought to be a prominent fea- 
ture ; and further, it is indispensable that a wholesome 
and growing atmosphere be maintained, which cannot be 
the case unless there is a command of genial moisture 
during the earlier stages of growth ; both these require- 
ments are best secured by close built structures, in which 
there is as little cubic bulk of air to be heated as may be 
consistent with sufficient convenience. It will be readily 
understood from this that, the different forms of curvilinear 
and plane lean-to roofs are the best, the wall plate upon 
which the lower ends of the rafters rest, being only a short 
distance above the ground level. Where there is nothing 
to interfere with choice, the curve line is preferable, so far 
as beauty, and the equalizing of the sun's rays is con- 
cerned, but there may be a set-off against this form, from 
the greater surface of glass, which may be thought to 



30 TUK GRAPE. 

conduct the applied heat away with a more than eq[ual 
ratio. Balancing all points, what is gained by one, is lost 
in the other, and both are equally suitable. ^ 

With regard to aspect, full south is the best, where con- 
venience will allow. South, south-east, is sometimes re- 
commended, but, although with care, it answers well 
enough, there are the following objections. It often hap- 
pens, that the most severe cold, or lowest grade of the 
thermometer outside, is immediately before, or at the time 
of sunrise, on the clearest mornings, and the heating ap- 
paratus must not be allowed to cool down ; now as the sun 
rises direct, or nearly perpendicular from the horizon, the 
rays strike (with this aspect) very quickly upon the plane 
of the roof, which in conjunction with the internal action, 
suddenly raises the temperature, at the time when the ex- 
treme cold, and often severe winds, will not admit of air 
being given, consequently there is danger from the quick 
transition unless the greatest caution be exercised. If the 
house face full south, the sun at this time will strike more 
obliquely on the end, which will to some extent counter- 
act the evil, and there is also an advantage in having 
greater natural warmth later on in the evening. 

The following cross section, and ground plan, figs. 4 and 5, 
and description of an Early Grapery, now in care of and 
erected under the supervision of the writer, and which has 
answered every expectation, may be of service here, and 
will illustrate our own practical ideas on the subject. The 
dotted outline shows a house, which, in this example is 
devoted to the growth of Camellias, and, being fixed in 
this position does away with the necessity of a shed, and 
assists in keeping the grapery from exposure. The same 
arrangement will apply where there is a building already 
erected, and which, would become the back wall of the 
intended house. 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 



81 



In this case the house faces south, south-east (owing to 
convenience), with a slope on the roof of 40°, it is 78 feet 
long, by 13 feet wide, 2 feet high in front from the ground 



Fig. 4. 




Fisr. 




level, and 14 feet at the back. The foundation posts are 
Red Cedar, placed six feet apart, and sunk four feet in 
the ground, with the upper or exposed part, dressed off 
square, and cut at the top so as to form an even horizontal 
line ; upon these the wall-plate is fixed, and made firm by 
being let in about an inch, the lower end of the rafters, 
which are six feet asunder, and the sash bars are socketed 



32 



THE GRAPE. 



into the wall-plate, and it is made sufficiently v/lde to 
allow of five inches projection on the outside, this part 
is scooped out on the upper side, and becomes the gutter, 
by which the water is conveyed to the cistern pipe ; be- 
side this there are cross bars every four feet on the length 
of the rafters, that stay and make the sash bars firm ; venti- 
lation is obtained by slides in the front wood work, imme- 
diately beneath the wall plate, and by sashes 2 feet six in- 
ches long and the same width, fitted by hinges at the 
ridge pole, these are lifted by a three-eights iron rod, 
having a hook at the upper end which is slipped through 
a hole in a small plate affixed to the middle of the lower 
end of each sash ; the rod is steadied by being passed 
through two apertures at the end of a shaft three inches 
long that is welded, each into a small plate, and this 
screwed to the back side of the house ; one about nine 
feet, and the other five feet from the ground. In the front 
of the lower hole is a screw worm, and a thumb screw to 
fit, which on being turned either way liberates or fastens 
the bar, and the sash is kept firm at any desired height. 




Fig. G, shows the sash open This simple contrivance, 
costs very little, is effective, has the advantage of never 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 33 

getting out of repair, and is as permanent as the liouse it- 
self. It will be understood that this style of building glass 
houses, is simply a frame work covered with glass, with- 
out any double sash, and consequently there is no use for 
any additional portion of the rafter above the sash bars 
(as is the case where the sashes are made to slide), which 
is a decided improvement in appearance, and equally suit- 
able. The house is heated by one of Hitchins' of New 
York middle sized boilers, and there is a lineal measure of 
340 feet of four inch pipe employed, giving a double row 
of flow and return, beside the necessary appendages. One 
row is fixed close along the front, and the other at a dis- 
tance of seven feet nearer to the back, which leaves room 
for a pathway, without any dip in the pipe, and there is 
the additional advantage of having all the heat arising 
from the front, and lower part of the house, thereby se- 
curing as much as possible, an equal temperature over all 
parts. There are two rows of vines planted, one to the 
back wall, and the other about a foot nearer to the middle 
of the house than the front row of pipes, which makes a 
distance of eighteen inches from the extreme front ; the 
lower part of each of the roof vines is curved towards 
the bottom of the rafters, and consequently project partly 
over, but are some distance above the pipes, and to prevent 
injury from the heat when the apparatus is at work, there 
is affixed behind each, a short board, about ten inches 
wide, which protects the stem most effectually. The ob- 
ject of this arrangement was to insure warmth in front, 
and more particulary the lower part, and at the same time 
with the vines planted inside. It is a plan which we have 
not seen elsewhere adopted, and was conceived from a know- 
ledge of its being somewhat in accordance with natural re- 
quirements ; so far it has fulfilled all that was predicted, and 
what answers in our own practice, may be justifiably 
2* 



84 



THE GRAPE. 



recorded, even though it should conflict with the notions 
of others. As to pLanting an exotic grape vine outside of 
the house, so long as the roots have free egress, or expos- 
ing the stem to the vicissitudes of climate, such as we 
have in this country ; we never yet saw the argument, 
often though it has been attempted, and as often eloquent- 
ly advocated, that could bring conviction, as to its being 
philosophical, or reasonable. In nature, we find the heat 
greatest near the ground, from the fact of the atmosphere 
being compressed, and the reflection, which take places by 
the sun's rays striking the surface ; and although we know 
that the stems of some plants are injured by his direct ac- 
tion upon them in hot weather, they are seldom afiected 
by the same temperature if kept in the shade. This is the 
only explanation that will allow any amount of advocacy 
in the present instance, and it stands to reason that it 
serves little purpose. 

Fiff. 7. 




Figs. 7 and 8 will explain how a suitable structure may 
be adapted by a brick flue and furnace, with a shed at- 
tached, and it is preferable that it should extend the 
whole length on account of the shelter. As the flue will 
occupy more room than hot water-pipes, it is advisable to 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 



35 



plant the vines close to the inside front; and in making 
calculations, the entrance to the house should be elevated 
fo that the pathway may pass over the top of the flue, 



Fiar. 8. 




ft^ithout which it will always be troublesome when walk- 
ing through the house. This only requires a little inge- 
nuity in each individual case, according as the details of 
arrangement may suit the particular circumstance. 

Grapery for Pot Culture. — If a house were to be 
erected purposely for pot-culture, the most suitable and 
economical would be as shown in fig. 9 ; the inside floor- 



Fiff. 9. 




ing sunk a foot being below the ground level, and the 
under base well drained around the outside founda- 
tion, to prevent cold moisture from penetrating laterally, 



36 THE GRAPE. 

and if the heating apparatus be fixed around the 
inside, near to the walls, there will be an equal distribu- 
tion over all parts. Such a house, if only ten feet wide, 
would accommodate three rows of vines, and leave room, 
for a pathway ; one row being placed near to the back 
with the path next, and the other two nearer the front. 
With this arrangement, there would be no occasion to 
elevate the roof more than to give sufficient headway, as 
the path would be directly under the ridge, — say six feet 
above ground, and seven feet from the inside level, by 
which the exposure to cold, and severe winds is consider- 
ably avoided, and a steady heat maintained with much 
saving of fuel. There may be some objection to the short 
back lights, which should be of glass, but as these may be 
readily covered by shutters at night, and in severe dull 
weather the evil is less than the common form of lean- 
to, which has to be elevated according to the width of the 
house, and inclination of the roof. It is only for pot cul- 
ture that this will become serviceable in grape growing, 
but for the purpose named, it is most suitable, can be 
erected cheap, and is a compact and easily -managed struc- 
ture. Where the house is already built, or it may be in- 
convenient to adopt the above plan, on account of other- 
wise general arrangement, an ordinary lean-to, and more 
particularly the curve line will answer the purpose to 
almost equal advantage, and the design is only given as 
the best adapted, where the intention is to be as perfect 
as possible. 

The Eetarding House. — As the object of the retard- 
ing house is to have grapes beyond the time when the Cold 
Grapery, or least forwarded house will furnish them, it 
ought to be so situated as to assist in checking the early 
growth of the vines, it is also desirable that it should be 
capable of being rendered thoroughly dry inside, and like- 



HOUSES AND CONVENIEXCKS. 87 

wise erected on a plan, by wliich it may be readily and 
economically heated, or rather that the applied heat may 
not be wasted, consequently, a lean-to form ofiers the 
greatest facilities as regards the latter, and a west front the 
former requirement. There are several reasons why this 
position is preferable. The coldest winds, more particularly 
in the early part of the season, being from the west, and 
north-west, there is a better chance of keeping back vege- 
tation in the spring, and of preventing the invigorating 
power of the sun at that time, thereby helping the vines 
to rest for a time, and retarding the buds. It is also ad- 
visable on account of the young and sappy growth being 
liable to mildew during the damp and close weather of 
July and August, at which times this pest is more than 
usually prolific, and generally when the wind is south, 
or south-east ; so that if the house be turned, as it were, 
away from these points, the influence is somewhat des- 
troyed. It may be thought, from these considerations, 
that north-west would be better still, — so it would, but 
for the deficiency of sun light that in such case would be 
the result, for under any and all circumstances, the grape- 
vine delights in a free exposure to the action of powerful 
light, and without a due proportion, the after growth will 
not become sufficiently concentrated to store up the re- 
quired elaborate juices, or produce healthy and active roots. 
Improvement, and greater perfection in all buildings, 
is now advancing with rapid strides, and these lean-to 
glass houses are beginning to be looked upon as obooleto, 
and whenever, or wherever such shed-looking structures, 
with bare back-walls can be, they ought to be avoided- 
Under some circumstances they are better adapted to the 
situation of the garden, but it is only where they compose 
a boundary line of a parallelogram, and when the back 
part is not seen ; in such positions they are admissible* 



38 



THE GRAPE. 



and, also, where strong heat has to be kept up all the 
winter, but there are many instances where such might 
be avoided in outside appearance, and yet the inside re- 
main the same in character, and so with the retarding 
house. 

Any person who wishes to erect a house for this pur- 
pose, is sure to have one or more graperies, and most 
likely one for the general summer crop, which is only 
partially forwarded; in which case, a double span, with 
the ends north and south, and divided longitudinally 
through the centre, would answer both purposes ; the 
west side being used for the late, and the east for the 

Fisr. 10. 




earlier crop. We do not advise the east front as the best 
in a general way, but when it gives the advantages here 
mentioned, there is no reason why it may not be adopted, 
and we speak from experience in saying that good grapes 
may be grown as a second early, or general crop, with an 
eastern slope of the roof. The annexed end section, fig. 10 
will explain better than words, how such double detached 



HOUSES AND CONVENIENCES. 39 

houses may be constructed, so as not to show even the 
convenience for the heating apparatus, further than a door 
to shut down over the under-ground vault, and even this, 
if thought objectionable, may be made to form a part of 
one of the pathways inside. The example given is an 
arrangement of, and now under the charge of, the writer, 
and answers admirably. Hot water is here used for heat- 
ing, but the same is equally applicable to the furnace and 
common flue, with the difference of placing the chimney 
at the opposite end. 

Since the above was written we have been apprized of 
a method of ventilating double pitch curvilinear houses, 
which has been invented by Mr. William Webster of 
Rochester, and for which he is about taking out a patent. 
His plan consists in having a movable chamber along the 
whole length upper part of the house, and which he can 
lift or lower at pleasure. If the machinery can be made 
to work well and kept in permanent order, he has con- 
ferred a great benefit upon the public, and deserves the 
thanks and support which all such useful improvements 
ought to receive. 



CHAPTER III. 

ARTIFICIAL HEAT AND APPARATUS. 

In tlie first stages of civilization, man was contented to 
eat tlie fruits of tlie earth as nature produced tliem in 
each division of climate, or separate locality, but as luxury 
crept in, he began to wish for those of more favored climes 
than the one in which he, in many cases, happened to be 
placed. His earlier peregrinations into more southern 
countries enabled him to see the splendor of tropical 
flowers, and taste the luscious fruits which there abound, 
and to enable him to enjoy these desirable additions at his 
own home, it became necessary to imitate as near as 
could be done, the climate from whence they came ; and 
here is the first inducement to use artificial heat, which 
though of imperfect character so far, to a certain extent, 
answered the purpose. This partial success set ingenuity 
to work, houses constructed partly of glass were erected, 
and so the thing has progressed from the half-glass, half- 
slate building, with clumsy stone or brick flue, to the 
Crystal Palace, and the elegantly modelled and scientific 
hot-water apparatus, until, even in most inhospitable 
regions, the fruits and flowers of the torrid zone are pro- 
duced in equal, and sometimes superior quality, to that 
which is found in the places to which they are indigenous ; 
besides which, skill has so far triumphed, that by a judi- 
cious application, or withholding of the artificial caloric, a 
succession of crops may be had to suit the desires of the 
most fastidious mind. 

(40) 



ARTIFICIAL HEAT AND APPARATUS. 41 

To say the best we can of artificial lieat, it is only a 
necessary evil, but as we cannot do without using it, we 
ought to put in practice the best and most economical 
method that is at present known. The only advantages 
arising from this necessity, is the raising of the tempera- 
ture of, or drying the atmosphere in any given house 
under care, so as to suit the particular purpose intended, 
and so far, by adopting the latest improvements and fore- 
casting as to what is required, we can work along with 
comparative surety. There is no use of entering into a 
theoretical disquisition of the relative properties of caloric, 
nor of showing up the science of chemistry in combustion, 
our object is to find out how we can at the least expense, 
and with the more certainty, apply this subtle principle. 
Suffice it then to say that there are about four Avays in 
which we can adapt it to our use, viz. : by steam, hot water, 
brick flue, and what may be considered a modification of 
the latter, the technical term Polmaise 

Steam is of no practical use, unless where a large ex- 
tent of houses, all. in the immediate vicinity are to be 
heated, neither can it be used with any certainty, unless 
the water is kept up to the point when the steam is given 
off in great quantity, so as to force it through the pipes, 
and the heat along with it ; besides there is the great dis- 
advantage of a want of bulk of heated substance, which is 
sufficient reason why this mode should not be adopted, for 
on the fire going down, the house immediately becomes 
cold, and consequently without the most careful attention, 
there is danger at almost any moment in severe weather, 
of injury to, or the loss of a crop. 

Hot Water has of late years become, and most deser 
vedly so, the popular favorite for warming plant and fruit 
houses. This method possesses the advantage of raising 
the temperature without parching the air, or giving out 



42 THE GUAPE. 

any noxious gases, and if constructed on tlie best plan, 
may be placed on the credit side of expenses, there is also 
a steady heat in the working, and a sufficiency of bulk in 
the quantity of water, which, when once put in motion, 
continues to flow with increased or lessened velocity, ac- 
cording as the fire is kept up, and for some time even 
after no further heat arises from the furnace. There have 
been different methods adopted, as reservoirs for circula- 
ting hot water, such as lining the inside of brick flues with 
cement ; tanks of wood ; tin or sheet iron troughs, with 
the tops left loose, to be covered or not, as circumstances 
may dictate ; circular copper, tin, zinc, and cast iron 
pipes. The cemented flue is objectionable, as the material 
is so non-conducting, that there is great loss, and the 
cement is also liable to crack, which causes leakage. The 
open tank, and trough is well enough for a propagating 
house, which is generally small, and kept very damp, but 
is not suitable for a grapery, in which is required, a moist 
or dry atmosphere, according to the different stages of 
growth ; this plan also occupies much space, and looks un- 
sightly. Tin pipes are not advisable from their tendency 
to corrode, and unendurable qualities. Zinc softens when 
hot, and is next to useless, copper if made strong enough 
to resist hard knocks, and be really serviceable is very 
expensive, so we are driven to the last substitute, cast 
iron, which answers every purpose, is lasting, erected 
comparatively cheap, strong, and the different lengths are 
readily cemented, the joints becoming as firm and tight as 
any other part. The construction of boilers for this pur- 
pose is also various, and there is a great difference in the 
consumption of fuel, according with the ratio of heat dis- 
tributed to the water. In the most primitive boilers, the 
fire only played on the under surface, and the consequence 
was, a great waste of heat, unless the residue was con- 



ARTIFICIAL HEAT AND APPARATUS. 



43 



conveyed around the liouse in a flue, wliich almost nullified 
tlie improved principle, but of late years a great improve- 
ment has been accomplished, so much so, as to make it al- 
most perfect. After having been acquainted with nearly all 
kinds, I have not found any to give so much satisfaction 
as the one constructed by A. E. Hitchins, of New York, 
of which fig. 11, is a longitudinal section, and fig. 12 an 



Fig. 11. 



Fig. 12. 




external view. This boiler is a double casing, between 
which, and the internal connections, the water is con- 
tained. It occupies very little room, and requires no 
masonwork, excepting a fcAV courses of bricks below, to 
raise it up sufficiently to give an ash-pit underneath, and 
a chimney or pipe to convey away the smoke. This 
apparatus when completed, with pipe four inches in dia- 
meter, boiler included, will cost from one dollar to one 
dollar twenty-five cents per lineal foot on the measure of 
the pipe, and a house forty feet long for early forcing 
would need about two hundred feet, so that reckoning the 



44 THE GRAPE. 

greater price mentioned, the expense would be two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars, but for a longer house, or when a 
larger order were given, the comparative cost would be less. 

Brick Flues. — Heating by brick flues is often practised, 
and if they be constructed on the best method, with good 
workmanship, they answer very well ; the expense on 
first erection is less it is true, but they often want repair, 
besides which they are unsightly and cumbersome, and as 
a general thing, will consume more fuel than a hot-water 
boiler on the above plan. If the situation, or circum- 
stances, make it more convenient to burn wood instead of 
coal or coke, then the flue is to be preferred ; in such case 
the furnace should be large, and the draft be under the 
control of the operator, by having a door in front of the 
ash-pit, and a damper in the chimney, which, when closed, 
more or less, as may be wished, will keep the fire steady. 

There are some cultivators who still cling to the flue for 
grape-growing, on account of the drying effects of the heat 
evolved, which, as they assert, is of some importance in 
damp weather, when the grapes are coloring, or ripe, and 
that at other times they can use evaporating pans. True, 
it is dry enough, even to parching ; and were this the only 
time when it would be required, the flue would answer the 
best purpose. But this point is a matter of very little 
consideration, as the same can be secured by pipes heated 
with hot water. Nothing can be more erroneous than to 
suppose that heat given out on the latter principle con- 
tains moisture ; were it so, the water would waste consid- 
erably through the pores of the metal, which is not the 
case, for all or nearly the whole of the evaporation which 
takes place is at the filling up tank, and if this be kept 
covered, the working of a night will not lessen the water 
more than a few pints. Heat, from whatever sources ob- 
tained, will absorb moisture, and as glass houses are not 



ARTIFICIAL HEAT AND APPARATUS 45 

hermetically sealed glass bottles, the generated heat is 
constantly passing off through the crevices, more particu- 
larly those in the upper part of the roof, and the moisture 
along with it. The main difference, then, between the 
two is, that one only raises the temperature, while the 
other does the same ; and, in addition, imparts a certain 
amount of sulphuretted hydrogen and other injurious gases 
that escape through the joints and the bricks, in quantity 
according to the good or bad workmanship, or the porosity 
of the material. " Smoke has thin shoulders," is an old 
adage among gardeners, and we often find it verified in 
the use of flues. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, 
good grapes may be forced by flue heat, and in some cases 
this is the only means at command ; when so, it is advisa- 
ble to make the best arrangement we can. If a steady 
and continuous heat be required, there ought to be enough 
room in the furnace to hold a large bulk of fuel, and if it 
is situated somewhat below the level of the flue, the heat 
will flow more evenly, and disseminate itself more equally, 
as it travels along with the draft, by which a greater por- 
tion will be absorbed by the bricks, and given off into the 
house. A small furnace, with a quick draft, is never eco- 
nomical, as a considerable portion of heat passes off by the 
chimney and is lost. A narrow and small flue is also ob- 
jectionable, as the heat acts directly upon the mason-work, 
and the bricks become so hot as to abstract the oxygen of 
the air, rendering it so devoid of moisture as not to be fit 
for the leaves to respire in. To a certain extent, this evil 
may be counteracted, by keeping shallow vessels filled 
with water upon the flue, and damping the floor of the 
house ; but most of the moisture produced in this way is 
in a vaporous state, and not in the exact solution required 
by the absorbing stomata of plants. The analogy be- 



46 THE GRAPE. 

tween plants and animals is in this respect the same, and 
every body who is possessed of ordinary observation must 
be able to discern how different is the air that is raised in 
temperature by a red-hot stove, even though a vessel of 
water be kept upon it, to what it is when raised to the 
same temperature by the sun's power. We also know, 
that if we were able to control other circumstances accord- 
ing to our wants for the time being, success would more 
often attend our operations, providing we could exactly 
imitate the warmth of nature. If this be true, it must 
then be certainly to our own interest to approach as near 
as we can to this desideratum. To come to our point, a 
capacious flue gives a greater surface exposed to the ac- 
tion of the heat, without becoming hot enough to bring- 
about so much chemical action as to burn the air inside of 
the house, while a small one is sure to do so, at any rate, 
in that part next to the furnace. To be effectual in this 
respect, a flue ought not to be less than eighteen inches 
high, by twelve inches wide in the clear ; and if raised up 
by placing supports underneath at intervals on the length, 
w^ith fire-proof tiles to form the bottom, so much the better, 
as it then is free to give out the heat on all sides. The 
furnace ought to be not less than eighteen inches wide, and 
equal height, independent of the arch above, and two feet 
long. A furnace of these dimensions is qualified to work 
a house of forty to fifty feet long, by twelve or fourteen 
feet wide, the flue being conducted along the front and two 
ends. Double the length will need two fires, and so on in 
proportion. When two furnaces are required, there may 
be one placed at each end of the house, and conveyed to 
the same chimney, midway in the back wall, so as to unite 
into one outlet ; but in such case there ought to be an 
acute level upwards at the place of union, or the two 



ARTIFICIAL HEAT AND APPARATUS. 



47 



opposite currents are subject to check the even flow of the 
smoke, and drive it back. 

The Polmaise method of heating is a plan that ori^n- 
ated with a Mr. Murray, of Polmaise, in Scotland, and, like 
many other ingenious contrivances, was the result of pecu- 
liar necessity. At the time of its introduction, it caused a 
great furor amongst the seekers after novelties, and like 
the fugacious follies of such persons, it soon fell into dis- 
repute with all, excepting those who were determined not 
to acknowledge their error. To say the best we can in 
its favor, it is only a modified flue. The principle, if so it 
may be called, consists in having a hot air chamber over 
and outside the furnace, and conducting the heat therein 
generated through one or more apertures into the house at 
one end, and at the other having a hole level with the 
floor, which forms the top of a drain that is conducted 
along under ground to the furnace, and which supplies the 
fire with fresh air to support combustion. By these means 
the heat from the chamber is drawn through the house, 
and a partial current produced, and from this it was at 
first predicted that a great benefit would arise, on account 
of the near imitation to nature's invigorating breezes. If 
glass was not a rapid conductor of heat, this plausible 

theory might have 
been a practical 
good ; but as it is, 
and as heat will 
ascend, in opposi- 
tion to such a weak 
power to repress 
it, a great portion 
flows along at the 
top and back part 
of the house, leav- 



Fig. 13. 




48 



THE GRAPE. 



Fig. 14. 



ing tlie lower part, or frout, cold ; which, if there he a dif- 
ference, ought to be the warmest. The only way in which 

this plan can be tolerated, or be of 
advantage, is, to combine the cham- 
ber and flue, and make use of both. 
This is economizing, as the whole 
of the heat which radiates from both 
sources is made available. Figs. 13 
and 14 show a longitudinal and 
transverse cross section of both com- 
bined. 

In concluding, we may say, that 
after many years' practice with most 
kinds of heating apparatus for hot-houses, we are thor- 
oughly convinced that none is so efficient or economical 
as hot water, and have never found any on that principle 
to supercede the boiler, as exhibited in Fig. 12. 




CHAPTER IV. 
BORDKRS OR PREPARED BEDS. 

The formation of beds, or more teclmically borders, in 
■which to grow the grape vine is of great importance, per- 
haps more so than any other portion of the whole routine 
of culture, for without a proper matrix in which the roots 
may luxuriate, it is impossible to succeed. 

The more important any branch of horticulture is, often 
the greater the number of opinions respecting it. This is 
strictly true, in the present instance. Some have advo- 
cated the admixture of great quantities of raw animal car- 
casses, in such quantities, and large masses, that one would 
think, if their reasoning were true, that a recently filled 
cholera burial-ground, would be the best place on which 
to erect a grapery, or plant a vineyard. Others again 
have recommended large doses of blood, and the stink- 
ing offal of slaughter-houses, in so fresh a state that the 
very idea is enough to nauseate the strongest stomach, 
and forbid the cultivation of this luscious fruit. Fortu- 
nately these materials are not required, although when 
thoroughly decomposed and well mixed with maiden earth, 
there is no objection to the using of a portion incorporated 
through the mass. It often happens when thus applied, 
that a very vigorous growth is produced for a time, but 
sufiicient strength can be had without these stinking nui- 
sances. If used at all, it should be in the form of top- 
dressings in after years, and forked in, by which the fer- 
tility will be assisted, without making the whole bed into 

3 m 



50 THE GRAPE. 

an unctuous paste, more fit to puddle a duck pond with, 
tlian for tlie tender and fleshy roots of the grape vine to 
luxuriate in. If proof of this were wanted, there are 
plenty of examples if they were to be examined, where 
the roots that have come into contact with these masses 
of soajD-like substances, before they were thoroughly de- 
composed, have been found quite rotten, and if the vines 
have continued to do well, it is not from the nutriment 
derived from them, but from their ready adaptability to 
form fresh spongeoles from the back roots, which may 
have travelled in other directions, and with good treat- 
ment added. 

The advocates of this putrid animal matter, contend for 
the greater invigorating powers and more lasting proper- 
ties, than is to be found in barnyard manure, or decayed 
vegetable substances. To the first we will agree, pro- 
viding the stimulating portions be administered in a proper 
manner, and here ends this part of the difference ; but how 
it is to be more lasting, is another part of the subject. It is 
a well-known fact, that highly nitrogenized manures, during 
decomposition, give off very freely the volatile ammonia con- 
tained in them, and as this is a great stimulant to vegeta- 
tion during active development, it is easily seen how such 
wonderful effect is produced ; as this exciting principle, 
from its evanescent properties, porcolates into every aper- 
ture in its escape, and no doubt a portion is taken up in a 
gaseous state by the young and readily absorbing spon- 
geoles. But does it follow, that this is any proof of per- 
manent action. Judging from the premises it would appear 
the very reverse, and the frequent use of other manures 
of a similar character — guano, for instance — have clearly 
demonstrated, that oft-repeated applications with occa- 
sional additions of carbonaceous organic bulk, and other 
inorganic assistance, have to be applied to maintain fer- 



BORDERS OR PREPARED BEDS. 51 

tility, wliere the same spot is constantly cropped. In the 
present subject we are precisely in this position, and there 
ought to be great regard for the future constitutional 
power, if a healthy after-life be cared for, which is not to 
be acquired by the excessive quantity of these helps, 
that only act upon the vegetable, in the same manner 
as do alcoholic drinks upon the human system. All our 
best physicians acknowledge the good effects of stimu- 
lants in particular kinds of disease, when administered 
with skill, and everybody knows how soon the strongest 
constitution is broken down by the great quantities that 
too many indulge in. So it is with the grape vine ; we 
all commence with endeavoring to gain strong, and more 
than natural growth, but there certainly is no reason why 
we should keep our plants in a continual state of intoxica- 
tion, from the moment of their first awaking in the spring, 
till they finally rest on the approach of winter, and still 
leaving the same baneful influence, to diffuse itself over 
the whole outer surface of the roots (which are equivalent 
to the mouths of animals), until the next season's warmth 
again arouses their action. We would not by any means 
have it understood, that we are opposed to the judicious 
use of ammonia, or any of the other compounds that are 
to be found in more abundance in the animal, than in the 
vegetable body ; but do protest against the inordinate 
mixture of such, often to the exclusion of other, and more 
necessary bases, and which leaves the plant after a few 
years of undue excitement, a prey to disease and prema- 
ture decay. If success has seemed to attend the progress 
in some instances, the failures have been much greater, 
and unprejudiced experience shows, that more injury than 
benefit has arisen from the admixture of animal matter, 
even in small quantities, and in anything like a fresh state. 
These remarks are only intended to apply to the fleshy 



52 THE GRAPE. 

and quickly putrefying portions of the animal body, with- 
out any reference to the bones. Here we will subscribe 
to the recommendation, because it is consistent with na-, 
ture, and furnishes along with other useful properties, the 
often most wanting requirement, lime ; in this all grape 
growers are agreed, and the invariable prosperity of our 
pet, in places where limestone abounds among the soil, 
produces the most conclusive evidence. There is little 
doubt but the want of this substance is the reason why 
some of our vignerons have occasion to complain of rot 
and want of success in various ways ; and here we may 
ask, whoever saw a grape vine that did not do well, and 
produce fruit of good quality, providing the climate was 
suitable, and the roots could creep along under the soil, 
and lie upon the surface or in the fissures of a limestone 
rock. 

There are other persons who make the beds from three 
to four feet deep of suitable materials, but use such quan- 
tities of the richer quality, with insufficient drainage, that 
the whole bulk, after a time, becomes sodden, and imper- 
vious to either sun or air, in which no root can exist, much 
less extend itself. These are some of the many causes 
why our graperies so soon become weak and unproduc- 
tive; yet the natural constitutional powers of the grape 
vine are very strong, and of great longevity ; it is a gross 
feeder and can absorb a large amount of food, but when 
thus maltreated, although it may bear such usage for a 
time with much pertinacity, it will in the long run (like an 
overgorged glutton) become deranged, its physical func- 
tions will be weakened, and it either dies of plethora, or 
wears on an exhausted existence, producing little or noth- 
ing but watery leaves, and weakly branches. 

If such very strong growth were really requisite to pro- 
duce the finest bunches, or berries, and could be obtained 



BORDERS OR PREPARED BEDS. Od 

by these means, there would be some excuse for thus 
abusing nature ; but such is not the fact, for the most 
superior and best flavored fruit, is had from solid, well 
ripened, and vigorous, but not over-fed wood. When the 
bearing shoots are unduly strong, there are frequently 
two or more developed from a bud, while with moderate 
growth only one is formed, and as each of these buds 
having: received its share of nutriment, wherewith to start 
future development, thus takes from the others a portion, 
the consequence must be (as only one can remain) a weaker 
action at first, and correspondingly less power afterwards, 
than would be the case if there was only one centre. 
The bunches emenating from such a bud, will also contain 
generally a greater number of florets, and shoulders, equal 
to the concentrated accumulation in the embryo shoot ; 
for it is formed previous to bursting, and before the leaf 
of the previous season falls, in the axil of which it is fixed. 

In all cases of permanent success, the grape vine luxu- 
riates upon a naturally, or artificially well-drained bottom. 
It is best suited in warm, arid comparatively dry climates, 
and the constitution which nature has fixed, man cannot 
alter. We must then adapt as near as we can, its position 
in cultivation to its wants, and if we produce artificially a 
greater than ordinary amount of growth, we ought to have 
a corresponding medium whereby to mature that growth. 
Well-drained borders is one of the means by which this 
can be accomplished, as the superabundant moisture is 
taken away, and the air and the sun's heat can more 
readily penetrate the soil. If the following directions are 
followed, there will be no reason to complain of Avant of 
success on this point. 

Take out to the depth of two feet, the whole of the up- 
per surface, then dig a trench two feet wide and one foot 
deep, with one or more outlets for the water to escape, all 



64 THE GRAPE. 

around tlie margin of the excavated space, which will 
form a drain, three feet deep from the top, and one foot 
below the lower base of the borders ; fill this trench with 
rough stones, or brick-bats, the rougher the better ; after- 
wards fill in over the whole surface, about six inches of 
oyster, or other marine shells if to be had readily, but if 
not, broken stones, or pieces of brick and lime rubbish 
will answer, and if a quantity of broken bones are to be 
got, strew them over the top of the other drainage ; cover 
this with turf-sods, or any rough litter, to prevent the soil 
from falling through and among the drainage, and throw 
in the prepared compost to one foot above the top level ; 
this will give a depth of three feet, which will settle down 
about six inches, leaving the permanent depth two feet 
six inches, viz. : two feet below and six inches above the 
ground level. 

In some situations the original base will be a dead level, 
when the excavated surface ought to slope from the house 
towards the outside of the borders, which will cause the 
water to run the more readily towards the lower drains. 
Care should be taken in this respect, whatever the level 
may be, that the bottom is so arranged as to allow the 
water to escape freely ; the means of securing which will 
occur to any ordinary mind, according to the level he may 
have to deal with. 

It may be thought, that with this amount of drainage, 
and raised, and not over deep borders, the soil will be- 
come too dry throughout the summer to maintain vigorous 
growth, but experience testifies to the contrary, for al- 
though the under parts will not be over wet, the moisture 
is equally divided through the whole, and if the upper 
surface be mulched, examination will prove that every 
portion is equally damp, and the innumerable small root- 
lets are ramifying in every direction, each taking its 



BORDERS OR PREPARED BEDS. 55 

allotted portion of work, to supply the structure of the 
plant with wholesome food. Efiectual drainage has not 
until lately received that share of attention among culti- 
vators generally which its benefits ought to command, and 
even at the present day, there is a great want of proper 
understanding respecting it. To a person who is contented 
to go along scratching over the ground, sowing seed, and 
leaving the rest to Nature, it is a difficult problem to 
solve, how the conducting away water in land that is 
already too dry and hard in summer can be of any ser- 
vice. Thanks to science and agricultural chemistry, this 
is now made so clear, by having been so often explained, 
with examples here and there as proofs, that the mystery 
is, how men can still remain so blind to their own interests, 
or entertain any prejudice against what has been so prac- 
tically demonstrated. 

Although it is recommended above to make the whole 
of the borders at once, which is only one trouble and ex- 
pense, and will answer very well ; yet it is much better 
to prepare the drainage as advised, and make only half, 
viz. : that part next to the house, of properly prepared 
compost, filling in the other with the intended base soil 
a little enriched, and after the first season's growth, work 
up in the following fall, into the half of the unfinished 
portion, the same quantity of fertilizing materials as the 
former half was mixed with. In the spring, before grow- 
ing commences, this may be again forked over, which will 
incorporate all more evenly, and the next fall the remain- 
ing quarter may be done likewise. By this method the 
borders are kept loose for a longer time, the air is more 
freely admitted, and the whole is better adapted for the 
healthy progress of the roots, which, as they extend from 
year to year, will penetrate more readily, and fill every 
portion. The tendency to become solid, is much reduced 



66 THE GRAPE. 

after tlie borders become filled with roots, as tliey are always 
more or less drawing nutriment and moisture, thereby 
rendering the base soil more porous, when the gases of the^ 
atmosphere, Avhich are very beneficial, have a chance of 
occupying the interstices, and forming chemical combi- 
nations with the material ; thereby producing a continual 
renewal of suitable food for the support of vegetable life. 
We have ample proofs of the correctness of this, and where 
borders are constructed as above advised, there Avill be an 
admission of air, not only from the openings to the drains 
and from them under the whole bed, but also from above. 

It is not by administering such enormous doses of stimu- 
lating, or fertilizing material all at once, and before the 
roots have progressed in sufficient numbers, or distance, to 
appropriate it to their use, that we are to calculate upon 
the most permanent results, or immediate success. So 
long as we supply from time to time what is required, it is 
enough, and if we have got well drained and porous bor- 
ders, Ave can the more readily apply top-dressings and 
mulchings in after years, without injury, or covering 
the roots too deep ; for if, in efficiently drained ground, a 
layer of dung be spread over the surface, it will be found 
after a time, that there is little but dry chaff left, all the 
soluble parts having been washed by the rains down into 
the soil below, and the plants will have received th.e bene- 
fit of it. 

With reo-ard to the width of these borders there are 

o 

many opinions, and different persons have been led by 
the dictation of fancy into dogmatic assertion, without 
duly considering the requirements of nature. Now, if we 
take this for our guide, and, generally speaking, it is the 
best reasoner, we must provide a large superficial area ; 
for the roots of the grape vine are great travellers, and 
will, if allowed their own way, extend over much space, 



BORDERS OR PREPARED BEDS. 67 

consequently free egress and plenty of room must cer- 
tainly be essential, where the intention is to retain unin- 
terrupted fertility for a long time ; beside which we ought 
to consider the close proximity of the vines as they are 
most commonly planted, and it then becomes still more 
evident that we ought not to be penurious in this respect. 
Our own recommendation is to make them ten feet wide 
at the commencement, add five feet more the next season, 
and five feet again the year following, making a total of 
twenty feet, Avhich will give ample space for a long time ; 
but if success should attend the same stock some ten or 
fifteen years, and the roots at the end of that time are 
found so closely interwoven, as to be in want of more ex- 
tension, it would be advisable to add another five feet, so 
that in making first designs, it is well to forecast after ne- 
cessaries. Many will, no doubt, think that this is a waste 
of land that might be turned to advantage in other ways, 
and others may not have so much ground at command for 
the purpose. As to the first objection, it may be answered 
by the simple question of, what more paying crop can be 
put on the added fifteen square feet that will be required 
for each vine, than the increase of two or three pounds of 
good exotic grapes, beside the benefit secured by retain- 
ing the natural longevity of the plant, where considerable 
capital has been invested at the outset in erecting a suita- 
ble house. In the latter case there is the opportunity of 
reducing the number of vines inside, and extending the 
branches of those left so as to keep the whole roof covered, 
thereby giving more root room individually. The very 
.common notion, that a grape vine is so often worn out, 
deserves to be classed with the things that were, — depend 
upon it, if all its wants are duly supplied, and the house 
substantially erected, a grapery may be left as a legacy 
3* 



68 THE GRAPE. 

to our offspring, instead of being, as it too frequently is, 
only calculated to become the pleasure of a few years. 

The most suitable materials for composing the borders 
are, a good friable loam (the top sod, grass included, of a 
pasture), with a suitable quantity of partly decomposed 
stable manure, in proportions of one-fourth of the latter 
to three-fourths of the former, and a good dressing of 
broken or ground up bones, say one bushel to every cubic 
yard in bulk. If the soil contains much lime in its own 
base, the bones may be dispensed with, but generally they 
are of much benefit, being a very lasting manure, giving 
out slowly, and when all the phosphates are exhausted, 
they still remain as a carbonate of lime, among which 
the grape vine delights. 

When the base soil, where the house is to be erected, is 
of the above nature, it may be used, and the other mate- 
rials added on the spot, which will save expense. There 
is often much useless expenditure caused in this way. 
Never remove away the existing base unless absolutely 
bad, excepting with little outlay, a much better substitute 
can be procured ; for by good mixing of the fertilizing 
matter and drainage to correspond, a poor soil may in 
many instances be made good, and often when it is consi- 
dered impracticable, most likely all that is required. Im- 
perfect drainage is frequently the cause that prevents 
success, Avhen it is attributed to an unsuitable constituent 
base. The grape vine is not so capricious in its food as is 
generally supposed, but a dry bottom it must and will have 
to prosper. 



CHAPTER V. 

PLANTING AND MANAGEMENT THE 
FIRST YEAR. 

In choosing vines for planting, see tliat the wood is 
well ripened and solid, and the roots clean and healthy. 
One year old, propagated from the eye are best for the 
grapery, or from cuttings for the vineyard, but those of 
two years are not objectionable. The most proper time 
for planting is about the beginning of March, under glass, 
or so soon as the ground is in good working order, out of 
doors, when the vines have not been prematurely started 
into growth, as they are then just commencing to move 
from a long repose, and have no great time to remain in 
their new q^uarters before fresh rootlets begin to push 
forth. When deferred much longer, these fibres are sub- 
ject to injury, being very brittle. If the vines have been 
grown in pots, which is generally the case, with the ex- 
otics, the soil ought to be entirely shaken from them, and 
the entangled roots carefully straightened out, care being 
used when planted, that they are spread in all directions 
diverging from the stem. After loosening up well, and 
smoothing over the surface around on the base, where it is 
intended to fix them, have in readiness a quantity of the 
same material as the border is composed of, broken up 
fine and mixed with a third portion of leaf-mould, if to be 
had — if not, it is not of much consequence., but the young 
rootlets soon lay hold of it, and a good start is half the 
battle. Strew two inches of this compost over the sur- 

(59) 



60 THE Git A PI-:. 

face, place the plant tlms spread out upon it, and cover 
with three inches of the same mould. It will be under- 
stood that this mode of procedure will elevate the crowns 
of the roots a trifle above the general level, which will 
prove advantageous afterwards, as a top-dressing can be 
added without their being buried down below the surface. 
Avoid deep planting in all cases, for it leads to cankered 
roots, and places them out of the reach of the warming 
influence of the sun, and the exhilirating action of the 
air, both of which are as beneficial to them as are light and 
heat to the leaves and branches. It is not to be expected 
that this particularity can be applied to the vineyard, but 
so far as can be done economically, the same rule holds 
good. Before planting, cut off the top of the plant to 
about six or nine inches, or down to two or three good 
buds. The advantage of leaving more than one being 
the choice it gives of retaining the most promising when 
started, when all the Avorst can be rubbed off. 

It is sometimes inconvenient to plant at the time above 
recommended from some local cause, in which case, the 
plants may be removed into pots, if so situated, of a 
larger size than those that they were previously in, put to 
groAv in some other house, and attended to as regards 
heat and moisture, in the same manner as if in their final 
resting place ; as the young shoots progress in growth, 
they will require to be carefully tied to a stake fixed up- 
right in each pot, and as the roots increase, larger sized 
pots will be requisite to prevent them becoming pot-bound, 
by which the vigor is consideraby checked. By attending 
to these points, they may be kept on till June or July, 
after which, if carefully turned out of the pots, without 
disturbing the roots any more than can be avoided, a good 
cane may be obtained the same season, though not often 
strong enough to bear fruit the following summer; but 



PLANTING AND MANAGEMENT. 61 

which, if planted in March, can generally be accomplished. 
After planting, give a good soaking of water to settle the 
soil around the roots, but do not allow it to become satu- 
rated afterwards by too oft repeated applications, the ob- 
ject being to keep it moderately moist, but not sodden, as 
the tender roots are soon rotted when not drawing freely. 

If the vines have been prematurely started into growth, 
which is not desirable ; or it is thought fit to plant those 
that have been raised from the eye the same spring, the 
planting ought to be deferred till the middle of April, or 
beginning of May, even though the house may be ready 
in due time ; for if planted sooner, they would, under such 
circumstances, receive a sudden check, from their being 
removed into a much colder atmosphere than the one they 
had previously occupied, and which would militate very 
much against their future prosperity, if not be the cause 
of failure. 

We will now suppose that the house is planted and all 
ready for a favorable beginning. For the first two or 
three weeks keep all as close and cool as possible, only 
giving sufficient air to lower the temperature. After this 
time the house may be kept a little warmer, and the' vines 
syringed overhead two or three times a-day. Do not yet 
apply much Avater to the roots, only maintaining moisture 
enough to keep the soil damp, without becoming soaked, 
as they have not yet got into brisk action, and conse- 
quently cannot draw much of it up. Avoid dry winds, 
and retain a moist atmosphere, allowing the thermometer 
to rise from 70'^ to 75^ in the middle of the day. By the 
middle of April the buds will be mostly started, rub oft' 
all but the strongest one, and mind that it is not injured, 
or the top broken out. As the young growth continues to 
extend, the paths, and the whole interior of the house, and 
likewise the plants, should be damped with the syringe or 



62 THE GRAPE. 

hose morning and evening, and during dry weather in the 
middle of the day, avoiding the application in the brightest 
sunshine. Do not give any bottom air until a vigorous 
{ind strong action is obtained, and not then without great 
caution, for it causes cold drafts in the lower parts of the 
house and checks growth, rendering the vines subject to 
mildew. Shut up early to retain a genial warmth before 
sunset, and gradually increase the temperature, so that at 
the beginning of May the thermometer may stand at 90° 
at mid-day ; in cloudy weather keep all closed and en- 
deavor to keep as steady a neat as possible. By the latter 
end of the month, the vines ought to be growing vigor- 
ously : tie the canes up carefully as they progress, leaving 
the ties somewhat loose to give room for after swelling, 
and as the laterals push, pinch them off to one joint, re- 
serving one or two entire at the top at each pinching in 
case of accident to the leader, and likewise take clean out 
the lower ones, or those last left with one leaf, at each 
future operation. By this mode of proceedure they are 
gradually reduced, and finally taken away, without endan- 
gering the bursting of the buds in the axil of the leaf- 
stalks, the which are wanted for the next year. The 
heat may now be increased to 95^, still recollecting to ply 
the syringe freely, excepting in dull or cold nights, when 
water ought to be withheld, as under such circumstances 
it is apt to starve and check the circulation — a matter of 
great importance. 

The roots will now be extending in proportion to the 
expansion of head, and must have some attention ; for 
here are the mouths, and here are also the digestive organs, 
and woe betide the other members of the body if they 
are not well supplied. Equally with the amount of 
healthy foliage will they draw moisture from the base in 
which they are located, so long as free development is 



PLANTING AND MANAGEMENT. 6S 

progressing, and water ought to be applied to the soil ac- 
cordingly. As there may be reason in all things, so in 
this, and the borders ought not to be saturated by too 
often repeating the application, but of this there is not 
much danger if the under base is well drained. A fork- 
ing, both inside and out, over the whole surface, will now 
be of service, but do not injure or disturb the roots ; this 
will loosen up and render the bed more porous, and the 
small rootlets will feel their way more freely, after which 
a mulching of dung or short grass, four or five inches 
thick, will prevent evaporation, keep an equal tempera- 
ture and moisture in the soil, and, during hot and dry 
weather, will almost entirely prevent the want of that 
greatest of evil necessities, artificial watering, to the out- 
side beds. Gradually increase the heat as the vines pro- 
gress more rapidly ; by the beginning of June it may be 

allowed to rise from 95° to 100^ at mid-day, and if the 
air is kept damp, scorching from so high a temperature 

will be prevented, and both combined will enable the 
plants to develop their fullest energies. 

Many persons do not give heat enough ; even some of 
our very best grape growers are sparing in this respect. 
We ought to consider that, as the grape vine is generally 
grown under glass, we place it in a position, by the sup- 
ply of rich food, to produce a more than natural disten- 
tion of cellular tissue ; the larger leaves also are capable of 
doing more work, in elaborating the juices drawn up from 
the roots, and these large leaves being filled with an un- 
common amount of sap, require a corresponding assistance 
in the form of heat and light, to properly chemicalize 
(excuse the expression) this extra quantity of crude fluid. 
Hence the necessity of a warmer temperature than would 
suffice for the same plants, if they were growing in the 
open air, and the roots in a soil only ordinarily fertile. 



64 THE GKAPE. 

When tlic canes have grown to the top of the roof do 
not stop them, but train the tops between the vines on 
the opposite side, if the house be a double pitch ; and if a 
lean-to, they may be allowed to hang down by the back 
wall, stopping the leader when it has advanced somewhat 
dowuAvards, and leave the laterals on the same length. 
Thus the plants will go on swelling their growth without 
check, and adding bulk to their structure. 

Towards the middle of August, the air may be allowed 
to become somewhat drier, and syringing overhead gradu- 
ally lessened, as the wood will begin to mature : the lower 
ventilators may also be opened on clear days — a little at 
first, increasing more from day to day. By the third week 
in September, Avater should be withheld altogether, and as 
the wood will be ripening, air ought to be freely admitted 
through the day, and the temperature decreased as the 
canes approach maturity. When the bark becomes brown 
and the wood solid, the house may be thrown open day 
and night, excepting in case of frost or heavy rain, as the 
object noAv is to let all go quietly to rest, and the leaves 
to fall off yellow and fully ripe, when we may rest as- 
sured that nature has done her work according to her own 
will, and we have assisted her in accordance to her own 
laws. 

So soon as the leaves are fallen, proceed to pruning. 
If all has gone on as it ought to have done, the canes will 
average five-eighths to nearly one inch in diameter, ac- 
cording to the natural vigor of each individual variety, and 
a corresponding length when not stopped, of twenty-five to 
thirty-five feet. Cut off the strongest to about seven, and 
the weakest to five feet. Aftervv^ards take out with the point 
of a knife each alternate bud, which will leave the remainder 
about fifteen to eighteen inches apart, the object of which 
is explained in the chapter on pruning, Commence at the 



PLANTING AND MANAGEMENT. 05 

top, leave three buds, one for next year's leader, and tlie 
two others for side spurs ; proceed downwards, leaving 
each alternate pair (one on each side) to the wall plate, 
and as beneath this, the leaves and fruit would be out of 
the sun's influence, and only subject to encourage mil- 
dew, all buds ought to be removed. 

The vines may now be carefully washed over with the 
following preparation, which will destroy the larvae or 
eggs of insects, if any should be existing. Whale oil 
soap, one-fourth pound; sulphur, four pounds; tobacco, 
one-fourth pound ; and nux vomica, one ounce : pour over 
these boiling water, three gallons, and stir all up until 
thoroughly mixed ; as the nux vomica is a deadly poison 
to animals, care should be taken that it is not left care- 
lessly about. A soft painter's brush is the best for the 
purpose, and after the operation the canes may be slung 
loosely to the wires till the weather begins to be severe, 
when they should have a coating of straw three or four 
inches thick tied around them, and the heads brought down 
one over the other in a horizontal position, about two feet 
above the ground level, in rows along the lines of plant- 
ing; this will leave the lower parts of the stem nearly 
upright, and prevent the crown of the roots from being 
strained or disturbed. At the same time, be prepared with 
a quantity of recently rotted turf sods, or fresh earth, 
which has been mixed up two or three months with a 
third part of good stable or barnyard manure ; fork over 
the borders both outside and inside of the house, and add 
a dressing of three inches thick of the above compost. If 
the crowns were planted slightly elevated, as before 
recommended, this dressing will make the surface level, 
and greatly assist the production of young rootlets next 
sjiring, besides protecting the tender fibres through tlie 
winter. Over the whole area may be put a good coating 



66 THE GRAPE. 

of littery dung, tree leaves, or other such material to keep 
out the frost, and which may remain as a mulching next 
summer. 

Nothing further is now required, but to shut up the 
house on severe nights and wet weather, till the buds 
show signs of bursting in the following spring. 



CHAPTER VI. 

MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAR 
AND PERMANENT TREATMENT FOR 
THE COLD GRAPERY. 

The following observations contain directions for the 
treatment of a planting of vines in the second year, the 
permanent management of the Cold Grapery, and some 
other details of a general character. 

As the winter milds off, and warm sunny days com- 
mence, give air sufficient to keep the house cool, and to 
prevent the buds from pushing as long as possible. If too 
soon excited, the young shoots are in danger of being 
injured by the late spring frosts, and cold storms. When 
it is perceived that the buds are swelling, and can no 
longer be kept back, take the covering off carefully, and 
tie the vines down in the form of an arch, with the heads 
leaning from the glass, as in this position they are not so 
subject to injury in case frost should occur; there is also 
the advantage of causing a more lateral propelling force 
to the rising sap, which is compelled to develop the 
lower buds with more certainty, and this action once 
gained, with after good management always remains. 
Give a good and thorough soaking of water to the inside 
borders, which by this time will have become very dry, 
also syringe overhead two or three times a day, excepting 
when the weather is cold, or frost is to be expected, they 
will be assisted thereby to break uniformly and strong. 

(67) 



G8 THE GRAPE. 

The temperature should now be regulated as advised for 
the same period last year, in the preceding chapter. 

When the young shoots begin to elongate, sling the 
canes loosely to the wires, but some distance from the 
glass, as the further off for a short time the safer they will 
be from accidental frosty nights. So soon as danger is 
past, tie them finally in their places, leaving the strings 
loose enough for future swelling, and be careful in training 
the leading shoot upwards, as at this time it is very brittle 
and easily broken. If not quite straight with the older 
cane, the better way is to bring it into the right position, 
a little at a time, when the woody fibre begins to form in 
the base. 

The bunches will now be clearly discernible, and when 
they have fairly unfolded from the buds, so as to show 
their form, and comparative strength, take out all except- 
ing the strongest and handsomest one upon each shoot, 
and remove likewise the tops of the side branches, beyond 
the third or fourth leaf above the bunch. These will 
again break from the top eye, and as they do so, from 
time to time, nip out the leader to one leaf above where 
it was last stopped ; this keeps the branches within bounds, 
and at the same time leaves sufficient foliage to mature 
the fruit and perfect growth. 

When the blossoms begin to expand withhold water 
overhead, let the atmosphere become somewhat drier, and 
keep up a little more heat, and if the weather will allow 
it, a freer circulation of air, from 85^ to 90° at mid-day is 
not too much, close with good warmth in the afternoon 
and open soon enough in the morning, to prevent a scald- 
ing smell in the house. At all times, with a clear sun in 
the morning, ventilate so soon as the house begins to warm 
a little, and close early ; the temperature by these means 
rises and falls gradually. Nothing is worse in all plant 



MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAK. 69 

culture, than allowing a house to be closed until it becomes 
hot, and admitting at once a great quantity of cold air ; in 
grape growing, it leads to the most baneful results. Open 
soon, and close early, ought to be a maxim well riveted 
on the mind. Always have a thermometer hanging mid- 
way in the house, about four feet from the ground, and 
shaded from the sun ; observe it closely, and be guided 
by it, and experience in ventilating will soon be acquired, 
better than can be described by words — always remem- 
bering that a gradual rise and fall are the desiderata. 
Attention for a little while will teach, that early closing 
tends to regulate the heat in the after part of the day, and 
a due observance will lead to exact adaptability. 

As the flowers continue to open, go over the house 
once a day, and shake the bunches by a light flirt of the 
finger, which assists in distributing the pollen, and enables 
impregnation to go on with more certainty. This opera- 
tion is best if performed in the morning, about the time or 
immediately after giving air, as the flowers of all plants 
are then in greater activity, and consequently there is the 
chance of more perfect fertilization. There are certain 
kinds, as the Alexandrian Muscat and its allies, — purple 
damask, &c.., which do not readily fertilize with their own 
pollen in a cold house ; that may be much assisted by 
shaking over the flowers a bunch of Hamburgh or other 
hardy sort, and as there are more bunches than is required 
for ripening, there is always enough to spare for this purpose. 

When blossoming is past, and the berries are fairly 
set, a good syringing over-head will clean all the decayed 
portions of flowers which cling to and among the berries, 
and will invigorate the whole plant. Let water now be 
freely administered over every part, being careful that at 
no time it is driven with force against the fruit, as in such 
case it injures the surface, and produces " rust." 



70 THE Gil APE. 

It will now be plainly seen whicli are the best set and 
handsomest bunches, and as there are more than it is ad- 
visable to ripen off, on account of the youth of the vines, 
and the consequent danger of overbearing, thereby injuring 
their permanent prosperity, it will be better to reduce the 
number according to the strength of the plant, or weight 
of the bunch. A cane of three-fourths inch diameter may 
be allowed to carry from six to seven, and one of half an 
inch, five to six pounds ; but when they are smaller than 
this, only one, or at most two bunches ought to remain. 
Some kinds form much larger bunches than others, which 
may be ascertained in some measure while young, and 
the number may be calculated accordingly. A well 
shouldered Hamburgh will weigh from one and a half to 
two and a half pounds; if very large, from three and a half 
to four pounds ; while the Malvesia is a large bunch of its 
kind at ten ounces. Better to be guided by comparative 
weight than number of bunches, as greater equality is 
gained, and the vines are rendered more uniform in vigor 
afterwards. Be it remembered, that it is much more diffi- 
cult to bring back energy where a part is injured, than 
when the whole is so, for the well-doing will take the 
lion's share of nutriment from the borders. In removing 
the superfluous clusters take out the worst formed and most 
weakly, and let the greater part be near the top of the 
plant, leaving the bottom spurs as free as possible ; for a 
vine while young is prone to push its strongest growth 
upwards. By bearing the upper part the heaviest, the 
circulation is equipoised, and the lower laterals are re- 
lieved, and if the flow is encouraged to take a lateral 
course at first, it is much easier to retain the same after- 
wards. There is no occasion to crowd all the crop at the 
top, only let the greater part be there and the object is 
accomplished. 



MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAR. 71 

All is now to be considered in full action, — the grapes 
about the size of peas, and swelling fast, when it becomes 
necessary to commence thinning out the superfluous 
berries. First, tie out the side branches, in a horizontal 
position to the wires, if not already done ; then fasten a 
string to the end of each shoulder, and sling it up, at right 
angle with the stalk, to the wires also ; the smaller clus- 
ters may now be opened out by inserting small strips of 
wood, notched on the two ends, under them, and supported 
upon the projecting stalks below. This will open out the 
bunch, and prevent the weight of each cluster from bear- 
ing upon the lower berries. Next, proceed to cut out a 
part of the berries, commencing at the bottom, and leaving 
those for ripening far enough apart to allow the aggregate 
to swell up, without squeezing each other individually . 
when fully grown. Some care is required in this operation, 
and also a little idea, for the object is to leave to each 
berry sufficient space to allow for full development, and 
yet not so far apart as to make the bunch loose and 
stragghng. No exact rule can be given as to distance 
required, but generally, one half to two thirds ought to be 
cut away ; the larger berried kinds will need more thin- 
ning than the smaller, there is also a great difference in 
the setting, but a reference to the descriptive list hereafter 
given will be a guide ; the latest sorts too, and those in- 
tended to hang longest, should be more distant than the 
others ; for, when a little assunder from each other, the 
grapes keep much longer than when they are crowded. 
An experienced hand can tell pretty accurately how to 
thin, so as to make once going over nearly suffice, but for 
beginners, it is perhaps better to perform the operation at 
two or three times as they swell up. After the first year's 
practice the right idea is gained, and there is no difficulty 
afterwards. When thinning, do not handle the berries, 



72 THE grapj:. 

or let the hair rub tliem, for while young, the skins are 
very soon injured, when they become disfigured, and 
marked with a russety roughness which is technically 
called rust. 

Continue to keep up a temperature of 90^ to 100° 
through the day, and use water freely ; damp the lower 
part of the house two or three times between morning and 
evening, and, when syringing at sundown, force the water 
into all crevices and corners of the wood-work, to dislodge 
insects. Where this is attended to, red spider, or other 
such pest, will never do any harm. Do not wait until 
these vermin make their appearance, but always act on 
the principle, ** prevention is better than cure.'* 

As the leading shoot continues to progress, train it over 
the top to the opposite side, as advised for last year, and 
when it interferes with the fruit spurs in its downward 
course, pinch out the top, as it would cause too much 
crowding, and deprive the leaves from receiving due 
light. 

In very dry weather it will be necessary to use water 
on the outside borders ; generally, one or two applications 
is enough for the season ; but if severe drought should 
continue, it will be advisable to repeat the operation every 
two Aveeks, till the fruit begins to color ; after which there 
is no occasion for more, as there will be plenty of moisture 
in the ground for all purposes. Were it not so generally 
considered that large berries are a part of perfection, we 
should be disposed to recommend the withholding of water 
at an earlier period ; and those who would prefer a rich, 
sugary grape, regardless of size, will be more sure to get 
it by using water very sparingly after the stoning process 
is fairly secured. Under these circumstances there is also 
a better chance of producing gpod color, as the drier the 
atmosphere and borders of a Cold Grapery, the less danger 



MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAR. 73 

of mildew ; consequently, n greater supply of fresli air may 
be admitted with safety, tlie result of which is, more solid- 
ity of fruit, a greater concentration of saccharine matter, 
and, as a matter of course, a nearer approach to tlie natural 
shades of color. When water is applied outside, let it be 
a thorough soaking — no mere dribbling, but sufficient to 
penetrate down and through the borders. The mulching 
which was applied previous to winter should also be ex- 
amined, and if the surface is not well covered, add more. 
If the licjuid drainings of a dunghill can be had, so much 
the better ; but, first, dilute with an equal portion of soft 
or rain water, and never use it but in a clear state, as 
otherwise it clogs up the porosity of the soil, and renders 
it sodden and " sour." The drainage from a cow-house 
is also very good, but ought not to be applied until some- 
what fermented, as, while caustic, the salts contained in it 
are very destructive to the roots. Many persons apply 
liquid manures, of various kinds, without caution, and 
often do much injury thereby, while, if rightly used, they 
are of the greatest advantage. By the second week in 
July, some of the earliest sorts will begin to change for 
ripening, when water may be dispensed with overhead, 
but still applied to the roots in clear weather, which will 
cause the atmosphere to be drier. With the ripening of 
the fruit comes also an approach towards maturity of the 
wood, and during this period, water is only essential to keep 
up a healthy action, and should be gradually discontinued. 
As a little quantity, often distributed, only damps the surface, 
and the evaporation resulting therefrom produces a moist at- 
mosphere when a dry one is wanted, the times of aj)plying it 
ought to be less often ; but when done, a good soaking 
should be given. Once a week, for two or tliree weeks, will 
be enough, and after that time once in two weeks, up to the 
middle of September, when it may be withheld entirely. 
4 



74 THE GRAPE. 

As the grapes continue to color, admit more air in clear 
days, open the loAver ventilators, a little at first, gradually 
increasing, till a free current is obtained, which will assist 
very much in improving the quality in all respects, and 
likewise help in ripening the wood. 

After all are ripe, the house may be thrown open day 
and night, excepting in storms or wet weather, when it 
ought to be partially closed, so as to exclude the rain, and 
at the same time leave air to prevent the grapes from be- 
coming mouldy or cracked. 

When frosty nights begin to occur, the house ought to 
be closed in the evening, and opened again early in the 
morning. Let the temperature gradually cool down, but 
keep the leaves from injury, for the grand object now is to 
preserve them until they fall off perfectly ripe, when we 
know that nature is satisfied, and the wood sufficiently 
matured to insure all requirements for another season's 
development. 

Immediately after the leaves are fallen is the best time 
to prune ; and as we are now considered to be dealing 
with vines which have had two summers' growth, cut 
down the cane of the present season to the same length, 
according to size or vigor, and likewise disbud it, as ad- 
vised for the last fall pruning, which will make a total 
length from the bottom of nine to twelve feet. Cut the 
side spurs to tlu'ee or four buds from the extreme base, 
according as they may be plump or well rounded, and at 
the same time peel off the loose bark from the outside of 
the stem which has tv/o seasons' growth, but do not injure 
that which is immediately beneath the loose outer cover- 
ing, nor remove any from the side spurs, or the present 
summer's cane. The object of this peeling is to prevent 
the lodgment of insects ; with this exception, it would be 
better left on, for nature never forms any covering but 



MANAGEMENT FOR THE SECOND YEAR. 75 

what is useful ; but as tliis outer and loose bark is virtu- 
ally dead, it is of no further use than protection against 
cold ; so that if the vines are carefully covered from ex- 
treme frost, there is no harm in taking it off. 

The vines may now be washed over with the prepara- 
tion, as advised for last year, and brought down into the 
same horizontal position ; and as it is not easy to cover the 
spurs, if wrapped around with straw, the better way is 
to have long, narrow boxes, open at the ends, or to 
cover loosely with marsh hay, or evergreen boughs. Let 
the house remain open through the winter, excepting in 
stormy, wet, or very severe frosty weather, and shut up 
the doors at night, to prevent rats or mice from getting in, 
as they will gnaw the bark, and do much mischief. It is 
a good plan to keep a cat inside. 

A week or two previous to the leaves falling, fork over 
the borders carefully, both outside and inside ; by doing 
it at this time, any small rootlets which may be unavoid- 
ably broken will have time to heal up before winter sets 
in. When severe weather is apprehended, cover over the 
whole surface with three or four inches of good stable ma- 
nure, and add an additional layer of litter or leaves of about 
the same depth to prevent the frost from entering, and make 
" assurance doubly sure." 

As the general routine of this season's practice will ap- 
ply to all others, so far as the Cold Grapery is concerned, 
it is useless to follow this part of the subject further, than 
by stating (as we are treating of a set of vines in the first 
bearing), that the average crop may be doubled next year, 
according to robustness and health, which will admit of 
ten to fourteen pounds of grapes being taken off each, pro- 
viding all are healthy. It is well to observe the progress 
of any which do not keep pace Avith the rest, and where 
there is a want of vigor, to ease accordingly, by not allow- 



76 THE GKAPfi. 

ing them to cany so much fruit as the stronger ones. A 
much larger weight than the above might be left to ripen 
under some circumstances, but, as a general rule, it would 
not be advisable, where permanent prosperity is desired. 
What is mentioned is easily attainable, and nothing is 
advised that I have not practically found to succeed as 
described. In pruning in the fall of the third season there 
is some difference, which will be found fully described in 
the chapter on pruning. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE EARLY GRAPERY, Olt FORCING 
HOUSE. 

When the gardener aspires to the high attainment of 
modifying or improving landscape, he ought to possess the 
marvellous ideality of the poet, and should be acquainted 
with those nice perceptions of light and shade that the 
most sensitive painter is endowed with ; but when his 
abilities are applied to the forcing of the grape, it may be 
said that he puts his best practical talent and observing 
faculties in the most elevated position. It is true that 
there are many details of another character which require 
as much skill, and they may be as successfully carried 
out, but the popularity of this justly esteemed fruit eclipses 
everything else, and he looks with feelings of enthusiastic 
pride upon the crop, as he views the fine clusters hanging 
from his thrifty vines. 

Those who are satisfied to have ripe grapes by the mid- 
dle or latter end of June, need incur no very extraordinary 
expense, but Avhoever would require the same at the be- 
ginning of May, must expect to swallow dear morsels, and 
there are not many, excepting those Avho have wealth at 
command that will attempt it. There is, however, a grow- 
ing desire to enjoy the luxury, and increased encourage- 
ment is given to the commercial cultivator in the higher 
prices that are now to be obtained. May we hope that this 
encouragement will progress, and that, although it has not 
hitherto been sufficient, yet it may become so great as to 

(77) 



78 THE GRAPE. 

bring a larger supply into market. However energetic 
our most scientific fruit-growers may be, and in tliis they 
are, to say the least of it, on a par with any other profes,- 
sion, yet it cannot be expected, that they will supply an 
article which will not meet with some profit. To this they 
are entitled by the standard of reward which is given to 
other attendants upon refinement, and Avhy slioukl there 
be a lack in this instance, for those who set a dish of lus- 
cious, tempting grapes before their guests at so early a 
period, not only show their own hospitality to the invited, 
but also pay a compliment to scientific horticulture, give 
a stimulus to the exertions of the skilful practitioner, and 
encourage the development of that important contributor 
to the country's wealth, Pomology. It has become fashion- 
able to display a handsome arrangement of flowers on the 
festive board at a time when every blade of vegetation 
seems withered by the frigid blast ; no expense is here 
spared, and why should it not be as much desired, to have 
an e(|ually rare representation of fruit ? Let Pomona and 
Flora meet on equal terms at our entertainments, recognize 
each alike, and we shall prove that we can appreciate all 
parts of the garden which the all wise Designer of the 
universe has committed to our care and keeping, and which 
he has commanded us to improve. 

When very early forcing is desirable, it ought never to 
be attempted with plants that have not been previously 
subjected more or less to the same process. If the vines 
are young, they may, in the first year of bearing, be for- 
warded somewhat, and in the next year they will be in 
a fit state to be worked early. With older plants the case 
is somewhat different, particularly if they be spur-pruned, 
for there is a greater tendency to burst the buds ; still, 
even in this case, it were better if they had been forwarded 
the season previous. It is often argued that the continual 



THE EARLY GRAPERY OR FORCINQ HOUSE. 79 

forcing of the same stock weakens, and eventually wears 
out the plant, in consequence of which it is best to alter- 
nate ; to a certain extent we may admit, that there is some 
truth in this, but not so much as some would seem to 
think ; if the borders were to be kept warm, and the roots 
attended to with the same care as the tops, there would 
not be so many examples of early imbecility to complain 
of. True, all may be done that ingenuity can invent, and 
yet the exact growing temperature of summer will not 
be obtained — artificial heat is not so stimulating as that of 
the sun, but in our cloudless clime, even in the winter 
time, there is much bright and clear weather, which con- 
siderably assists our action, and if not quite so favorable 
as Ave could wish, it is sufficiently so to enable us, with 
good management and proper conveniences, to so far suc- 
ceed that a house of vines will admit of being uninter- 
ruptedly forced for many years in succession, and with 
far more certainty than the exploded notion of resting. 
It is more reasonable, and much more consistent with 
nature, that the same periodical action should be allowed 
to go on, provided it is not opposed to the peculiar consti- 
tution of any particular plant, and in the case before us, 
there does not seem to be anything unnatural, unless the 
allowing of a greater length of time for the full concentra- 
tion of the juices can be called such, and it is well known 
that the finest grapes, and most prosperous vines, are to 
be found in those countries which have longer and steadier 
summers than our own. So that, if all is well done that 
ought to be done during the earlier stages of development, 
the plants have all the remainder of the summer to mature 
their wood from the embryo fruit buds, and prepare for 
the more willing start the next season. Of course we may 
over-do this like most other things ; as the grape vine, 
with the great amount of heat that Ave have through the 



80 THE GRAPE. 

summer, and that which is given in the greatest ex- 
tremes of forcing, will be subjected to as much if not more 
of that element than is to be found in the very hottest; 
parts of the world, in which regions our present subject 
does not thrive ; but in the most extreme cases, it is better 
to commence anew when nature is so far exhausted as to 
be no further remunerative, and as in establishments where 
this is required, there are always several houses at work, 
there is no difficulty in having the worn-out lot replaced 
by another planting. 

Where grapes are required so early as above mentioned, 
it is necessary that the outside borders" should have a share 
of attention, and we here take the opportunity of offering 
a few general remarks on this head. 

If we refer to those localities or climates where vegeta- 
tion prospers best, and to the most fruitful regions, we 
shall find that there is no great disparity in the average 
degree of heat between the atmosphere and the ground 
in which the roots of plants exist ; consequently, there is 
a reciprocity, and an equal action, or equal quiescence 
over all parts. We know likewise from experience, that 
if the head of any plant were exposed to summer heat, 
and the roots in the cold of an ice house, prosperity could 
not long continue ; in such a case, if it were positively 
seen, Ave should know the evil results that would follov,^, 
and alter the circumstances accordingly, yet strange to 
say, there are some men at the present day, strongly at- 
tached to planting the grape vine cutside of the house, 
and still stranger, the same persons are more particularly 
so when forcing is intended ) such men will argue that in 
this position, the roots more readily progress through the 
outside borders, and that it is indispensably necessary, as 
they have seen fine grapes grown in this way. Such logic 
is, however, contrary to all true physiological reasoning. 



THE EAKLY GRAPERY OR FORCING HOUSE. 81 

for we all know the benefit of keeping all parts of other 
plants in an equal temperature, or if there is any difference 
to be made, a gentle bottom heat under and among the 
roots, and also about the lower parts of the stems, con- 
duces to healthfulness and success. Why then should the 
grape vine be made an exception, for it is subject to and 
is governed by the same laws as other parts of the vege- 
table kingdom, and the reason why it does not so soon 
resist the bad treatment which is so often practised upon 
it, is on account of its greater docility of constitution. For 
late crops the planting outside is not of so much conse- 
quence, as the natural temperature only differs compara- 
tively little from the inside, but for early forcing, it is 
absolutely requisite that the stems should be in the house, 
and if possible, the roots ought to be kept in the same 
temperature as the tops. To accomplish this desideratum, 
some of the best cultivators in Britain cover over the bor- 
ders during winter and spring, with a sufficient depth of fer- 
menting manure, and replenish it as the heat decreases ; this 
may do well enough Avhere the winters are not severe, but 
in such a climate as the Middle and Northern States of 
America, the same practice cannot be satisfactorily adopted, 
for, owing to the severity of the weather, there Avould be 
no end to labour, and the quantity of material required ; 
so that we ought to have recourse to other and more con- 
venient means to accomplish the same end, if we wish to 
acquire the best results, and endanger as little as possible 
the welfare of the plants. We may get along pretty well 
])y covering over with a good depth of tree leaves, or 
other like material, that will arrest the escape of the heat 
contained in the soil, and prevent the penetration of cold, 
and this will answer well enough when gentle forcing only 
is practised, but it is nothing more than a make-shift job 
for earlier crops, and answers a very poor purpose. A 
4* 



82 THE GRAPE. 

better substitute, and a much more e£Pectual plan, is to 
cover the border with glazed sashes, or wooden shutters, 
and to conduct an extra pipe from the hot-water apparatus-, 
or a length of flue, which may be conveyed around tlie 
outside, and sunk in a cavity, so that the top may be open, 
and even with the surface. During the time when forcing 
is going on, the heat may in this way be made to circulate 
over the surface, and forms a stratum of warm air within 
the chamber made by the covering, which need not to be 
elevated more than six inches above the upper level of 
the border, so as to keep the collected heat more im- 
mediately near the roots, and by limiting the space to be 
heated, prevent waste. Wooden shutters are best, so far 
as retaining the heat is concerned, there is likewise no dan- 
ger of breakage, but glass sashes have the advantage of 
collecting a considerable degree of caloric during sunshine, 
and will somewhat counterbalance the loss occasioned by 
its conducting properties. No doubt some persons, who 
may be disposed to have early grapes, may think such 
appurtenances very troublesome and expensive, to which 
we would answer, if a thing is worth doing at all, do it 
well, for all horticultural products are cheapest w^hen well 
attended to, and such a convenience once obtained will 
last many years, as it may be removed in the summer sea- 
son, and packed away, and the channel in v»^hich the out- 
side heating apparatus is placed, may at the same time be 
covered over, to prevent any unsightly appearance, further 
than the row of boards or flags, as the top will be level 
with the surrounding surface. That good grapes have 
been and still will continue to be forced eaily without such 
an appendage is reasonably admitted, but is it not more 
in accordance Avith nature, to supply the roots with warmth 
at the same time as the branches, and is there not a greater 
probability that success will be more certain, and the yield 



THE EARLY GRAPKRY OK FORCING HOUSE. 83 

comparatively superior, besides the enabling the plants 
to go througli the various stages of development, and after 
concentration, with less injury to the whole body. 

As stated above, it is generally conceded that a house 
cannot be forced very early, for many years, without the 
vines becoming weak and exhausted, consequently many 
growers go on the plan of alternating from one house to 
another, each, or every other season ; thereby, as they ac- 
knowledge, resting the vines. Where all other requisites 
are added to good culture, there is no necessity for this, 
for, when once a plant has been induced by forcing to 
break early, it is afterwards disposed to the same, and it 
only requires half the amount of heat to start such a plant 
that will be necessary for one that has not been brought 
llie season previous to the same condition. As to the weak 
and slender bearing wood, it is quite reasonable that that 
is a consequence of the tops being unduly excited while 
the roots are confined in a cold base, and therefore have 
not the power to supply the plant with the proper juices 
in sufficient quantity for its own development. The best 
cultivators are aware of this fact, and the adoption of the 
above plan has resulted in the most marked success, and 
vre have known houses v/hich were forced year after year, 
produce heavy crops of tine fruit, when the borders were 
covered as advised above. It is not to be expected that 
as fine bunches or as large berries can be obtained from 
the earliest forcing, but that a good quality may be had 
uninterruptedly, is a fact that needs no further demon- 
stration. 

For the first early crop, the vines ought to be pruned in 
October, and if the leaves are not fallen at the time, let 
what are still left remain on — for, until they become fully 
ripe and change color the structure of the jjlant is receiv- 
ing more matured body. Commence operations the latter 



84 TOE GRAPE. 

part of November, by tying clown tlic Ijeads of tbc vines as 
before advised, and as it is presumed tliat the inside borders 
have become very dry, give a tliorougli soaking of water 
over the whole interior, v/ash well into all chinks and cre- 
vices of the wood-work to dislodge insects, their eggs, or 
larvae; maintain for eight or ten days a night temperature 
of 4:5^, allow^ing it to rise to 60^ or 65° with clear sunlight; 
at the end of this time increase the heat for the next two 
Aveeks to 50^ by night, and 65° to 70^ by day, with a free 
use of the syringe over the vines, and keep a quantity of 
evaporating pans on the flues or pipes constantly filled with 
"water. All artificial heat, excepting the open tank, has a 
tendency to dry the air inside forcing houses more rapidly 
than that from the sun, and as in the earlier stages of de- 
velopment, a damp atmosphere is particularly requisite, 
this point cannot be too carefully attended to. According 
as the heat is increased, let the moisture correspond — 
fancy a warm April morning, and imitate that as near as 
possible. The buds Avill be swelling by this time, and 
most likely the weather severe, when care must be used in 
ventilating. Our own practice in all plant culture is, not 
to admit any bottom air from the front lights through the 
winter months, being convinced from repeated experiments 
in different ways, and with many plants, that is one of the 
most injurious methods that can be resorted to. The 
temperature may be sufficiently lowered, and a current of 
wholesome air maintained, by letting the heat pass off at 
the top ventilators, which it is sure to do from its own re- 
duced specific gravity, and accordingly as it escapes there 
is a certainty of a fresh supply being drawn in through the 
laps of the glass, and other apertures, which occur even 
in the tightest constructed houses; depend upon it the 
lower or front part of any winter worked house, -will at all 
times be cool enough, without purposely introducing a 



THE EARLY GRAPERY OR FORCING HOUSE. 85 

stream of cold air to pass over and amor.g tlie leaves, as 
it traverses upwards, and forces the beat out ; most of the 
mildew that attacks roses and verbenas in the winter time 
is produced by this cause, and if such plants as these suffer, 
surely the grape vine must share the same fate. One of 
the Avorst things that we have to deal with in forcing this 
fruit is the extreme difference of the outside temperature 
from that which is essential for its well-doing inside of the 
house ; and particularly during its more easily injured 
stages, there are the most frigid blasts to contend against, 
and very sudden transitions, from dull or cloudy weather, 
to bright sunshine ; owing to which it behooves us to study 
carefully how we proceed, and imitate as nearly as we can 
those peculiarities of natural climate which observation 
shows to be conducive to the most healthy development. 
This is more particularly mentioned here, because many 
persons are prone to take advantage of all the little oppor- 
tunities that occur to admit "fresh air," without taking into 
consideration these principles in trying to accomplish the 
object in view. 

So soon as the buds are well burst, the vines may be 
tied to the wires in their permanent position, and the heat 
very slowly but gradually increased ; if it were possible 
to be so exact, about two thirds of a degree per night and 
one each day in clear weather would be about an average, 
until 65° at night, and 80° to 90° by day (according as it 
might be cloudy or sunshine) were arrived at. As the 
shoots continue to elongate, tie them to the side wires, but 
be careful not to commence this operation too soon, as they 
are very brittle, and subject to break off at the axil when 
young. The bunches by this time will be readily seen and 
as the future treatment with regard to fertilization, stop- 
ping, thinning, &c., is the same as explained in the last 
chapter, there is no occasion for repetition. The greatest 



86 THE GRAPE. 

difference now required between tliis and the Cold 
Grapery, is, in maintaining as nearly as possible the same 
growing temperature, wliicli is more simply obtained when 
the weather is genial ; and from what explanations are 
given, it will only require a little observation on the part 
of tlie cultivator to carry out these instructions. 

When the fruit begins to ripen, the front lights may be 
opened on soft and mild days, but not otherwise, for any- 
thing like a sudden check will injure the color, and stay 
the carbonic chemical change which at this time is going 
on in the fruit, by which the sugar may more or less 
abound, according as this action is encouraged or inter- 
cepted. It is also advisable at this exact period, that 
the night temperature be kept very carefully up to the 
average until the fruit is fully ripe ; a trifle of prolonged 
iiring more than pays for the small extra quantity of fuel 
and labor, by the better sample which is thereby gained. 

If the outside borders are covered by glass or shutters 
they will require an occasional supply of water, say three 
or four times between the period of the fruit setting and 
the final swelling, which may be accomplished by lifting 
the covers, one by one, for the time being, when the wea- 
ther is mild, and never use water which is cold for this or 
any other purpose in grape-growing. Have a triik large 
enough for all uses situated in some convenient part of 
the house, and keep it filled, so that what is applied may 
be of an equal temperature, or nearly so with the air. 

When the fruit is all well ripened, it is desirable to 
keep a part of it for successional use, and the house may 
now be freely ventilated during clear and warm weather, 
but when fog, damp, or cold prevails, the air ought to be 
only partially admitted. There is no occasion to fear mil- 
dew in an early forced house, but no advantage is to be 
gained by submitting the fruit, or even leaves, at this 



THE EARLY GRAPERY OR FORCING HOUSE. 87 



stage, to the extreme changes that freqneutly occur. 
This free ventilation will, in the course of a week or two, 
prepare the leaves for the fall and uncontrolled action of 
the air, and the house may then be left open night and 
day throughout the remainder of the season, and there 
will be no further trouble than stopping the too extended 
growth, or an occasional thorough syringing over all parts 
to check the red spider, thrips, or other insects, the two 
first of which become a great pest to early forced vines 
when not attended to. 

To obtain a second early crop, which may be considered 
to be ripe by the middle of June, or early part of July, it 
will be necessary to apply fire heat from the beginning 
or middle of February, as the case may be ; and as all 
the details of management have been heretofore explained, 
the same practice, with slight modifications, will be appli- 
cable. The annexed journal, which was kept by the 
writer, during the progress of a house of this character 
last year, giving the temperature inside the house, and 
outside in the shade, at sunrise, noon, and ten o'clock at 
night — with the current kind of weather, and occasional 
remarks, will, perhaps, supply any deficiency that may 
have accidentally occurred. 



DATE. 


INSIDE. 


OL'TSIDE WEATHKR. 


REMARKS. 


eb. 3d 


40. 60. 4-! 


] 

l7.2-i.l5fCloudv% with snow. 


House thoroughly cleansed 


4lh 


41.63.41 


16.21 .12 


C'ear. 


and the inside borders 


5lh 


41.6.5.4-^ 


18.38.24 


Partially cloudy. 


well soaked with water. 


t3l!i 


43.62.45 


12.26.14 


Uear. 




Till 


43.62.47 


14.36.24 


Cloudy afternoon. 


Forked inside, and covered 


eth 


41.61.45 


34.48.44 


Heavy rain all day 


with rotted manure. 


9th 


47.70.52 


35.47.34 


Clear. 




10th 


48.73.50 


33.46.20 


" 


Syringed regu'arly over- 


lltli 


46.76.49 


16.21.18 


11 


head morning and nighi. 


12th 


47.71.50 


2 1.3-2. 24 


n 




13th 


49.68.55 


36.41.36 


Foggy all day. 




14th 


.51.65.58 


36.40.34 


" 




loth 


.52.66.6a 


34.38.36 


u 




16th 


50.65.54 


36.41.24 


Cloudy till noon . 




17th 


51.75.56 


20.39.16 


Clear. 




I8th 


55.80.58 


22.37.32 


C( 





88 



TBE GRAPE. 



Feb. 19t!il:'4.74.5. 



March 



April 



56.71. 

.52.74. 

60.82. 

5S.8-i. 

57.85. 

58.88. 

57.69. 

55.79. 

59.85. 

60.87. 

61.88. 

58.81. 

60.77. 

5 1.1-3. 

58.85; 

59.86. 

60.73. 

59.72. 

5-. 73. 

61.80. 

60.84. 

61.87. 

59.^7. 

61.88. 

62.90. 

6a. 89. 

61.91. 
19thj62.92. 
20thi59.87. 
21si|60.89. 
22d 15;). 81. 
23d |61.S;i. 
24ili 59.91. 
25th 60.88. 
26th'6].87. 
•z7th 59.87. 
28llije0.85. 
29lhi59.89. 



20lh 

21si 

22d 

23d 

24ili 

2oili 

26th 

27tii 

28 1 h 

Isi 

2d 

3d 

4lli 

5th 

Gth 

7il) 

8th 

9lh 

10th 

11th 

12th 

13lli 

I4ih 

loll 

16th 

]7th 

18th 



60 30. 

59 



SOlii 

3! St 

Isi 

2d 

3d 

4lh 

5th 

6th 

7ih 

8th 

9th 

10th 

lllh 

r2th 

13th 

]4th 

15th 

16lh 

17th 

18th 



59.80. 

57.74. 

59.75. 

58.86. 

59.90. 

50.83. 

f->0.9l. 

59.92. 

61.93 

60.03. 

61.95. 

60.86. 

S2.93. 

61.96. 

62.97. 

63.86. 

61.78. 

60.75. 

58.74. 

59.85, 



61 

t V 

61 

00 

6- 

61 

60 

61: 

60 

6li.J7 

6ui.i7 

6i 

Go 

64 

05 

65 

70 

70 

6 

64 

59 

62 

60 

64 

62 

64 

62 

64 

67 

63 

6;j 

6o 
62 
54 
65 
6y 
68 
64 
69 
OS 
70 
66 
71 
70 
67 
65 
64 
62 
,61 
,6 



19th 60 8?.70|36 




Cloudy till noon 

Severe snow storm 

■'torn; continued. 

Clear. 

Clenr. strong wind 

Martially clouded. 
_..:ie<ir. 
44 Cloudy, rain & wnid 

-^novv eleiirevenin 

Hazy. 

;'artially cloudy. 

wioudy afternoon. 

H'oggy morning. 

.-.light fog. 

Cloudy morning. 

Clear. 



Foggy all day. 



Partially cloudy, 



^lear, cold wind. 



Cloudy, with ?now. 
torm till noon. 
Partially cloudy. 
Cioudv, cold Wind 

Clear, cold wMnd. 
'artially cloudy, 

cold wind. 
:!loudy, with snow, 
Cloudy, with tog. 

;iear. 

Cloudy, 
^lear. 

Partially cloudy. ' 
ear, strong wind. 
Clear. 

Cloudy. 

Cloudy, with sleet 
C'ear. 
Clear. 

aazy, heavy snow 
and wind atniglit 
■^tnrni coiitiiiu«-d. 
Storm coiilin..ed. 
Cloudy morning. 
Clear. 



Grizzly Frontignau begin to 
burst the t.uus. 

White Fronlignan and Chas- 
belas bursting. 



Hamburgh'* and Tokay burst- 
ing. 
Muscat bursting. 

Syringing contiiuied morning 
and evening. 



Tied up Chasselas Fontaine- 

bleau. 
Tied up Frontignans. 

" Tokay. 

" Hamburghs. 

" Muscat. 



Tied side branches to wires 
as they continued to elon- 
gate, slopping ihe weak- 
est tour, and the strong- 
est at three leaves above 
the bunch ; syringing aho 
attended to. 



Havuburghs in blooii . 

Chasselas " 

Fronlignan " 
Muscats " 

Water over-head withheld 
and fertilization assisted 
by jerking the bunches in 
the middle of the day or a 
little before noon. 



THE EARLY GRAPERY OR FORCING HOUSE. 89 



DATE. 


IX?1DE. 


OUTSIDE. 


WK^THER. 


REM.iKKS. 


April COth 
21*1 


62.86.70 


39.57.40 


-howers till noon. 


Water over-head renewed. 


o3.90.70 


J4.62.44 


Cle:ir. 


hut carefully on account 


2-2(1 


61 .84.69 


39.56.40 


Cloudy. 


of danger from "rust." 


23d 


62.87.70 


12.66.45 


Cloudy till noon. 




24th 


63.92.67 


36.67.50 


Jlear. 


Commenced to thin Ham- 


25lh 


64.95.71 


43.72.56 


" 


burghs 


26tli 


62.96.70 


54.85.66 


u 


Do. Chassela.e. 


27lli 


64.95.6S 


51.72.4:1 


u 


'■ FroutiKnan.s. 


28lh 


62.81.64 


40.52.36 


Rain all dav. 


" Tokay ^ 


29ih 


i3.S2.69 


10.56..'ji' 


u '.' 




30th 


61.88.67 


47.74.42 


Cloudy. 


** Muscat. 


May 1st 


63.87.64 


44.71.50 


Clear. 




^ 2d 


65.92.67 


52.79.55 


Cloudy afternoon. 


Finished thinning and forked 


3d 


63.81.66 


46.62.44 


Clear. 


over inside borders. 


4lh 


64.79.70 


41.58.50 


Cloudy &, showers. 




5lh 


65.88.65 


41.69.55 


Partially cloudy. 


• 


6th 


64.91.66 


43.55.3P 


Clear. 




7lh 


6-). 92. 67 


32.64.44 


u 


Grapes begining to "stone." 


Stli 


64.9->.66 


41.68.49 


. <; 




9th 


66.88.67 


40.74.59 


u 




loth 


65.89.6b 


34.81.59 


ParliaDy cloudy. 




lllh 


53.90.65 


55.81.60 


Hazy. 




12th 


66.95.67 


58.82.54 


Clear. 




13th 


65.92.61 


58.77.6) 


Foggy niorninsr. 




14lh 


63.88.67 


57.79.59 


Fog, with showers. 




15th 


61.90.65 


.5S.84.58 


Clear. 




16th 


61.97.68 


58. 84.. 59 


Foggy niorning- 




ITlli 


65.90.65 


5j.73.5S 


Fog with showers 




18th 


64.87.70 


58.81.59 


Foggy. 




19ih 


63.91 .67 


57.81.56 


Clear. 




20tli 


65.87.6t 


.56. 78.. 58 


'' 




21sl 


64.86.67 


56-75.57 


Cloudy 




22d 


63.91.65 


56. 78. 58 


Clear. 




23d 


85.92.66 


54.77.54 


u 




24ih 


6'>.93.e5 


-53.74.54 


u 




25th 


63 .84.76 


53-70.58 


cloudy. 


Water overhead discon- 


26th 


65-91 .66 


56-79.58 


Clear. 


tinued. 


271 h 


64.93.65 


59.. 79. 56 


" 


Commenced to open lower 


28lh 


66-95. 7C 


59.84.66 


(1 


ventilatory. 


•.9th 


64-93.65 


■54.73.56 


1 i 




30 th 


65-90.67 


57.71.-56 


Cloudy. 


Grizzly Frontignan begin 


3! SI 


6G.91.71 


.56.72.58 


Clear. 


to color. 


June Is! 


84.90.6S 


47-72.48 


" 


Chasselas begin last swcll- 


2d 


66.90.61 


48.82.54 


a 


iu?. 


3d 


67.91.68 


57-81.62 


a 


Water entirely discontinued. 


4lh 


66.92.71 


59 - 82 . 0.'i 


(1 




5th 


68.61.69 


61.89.66 


;( 




e.lli 


67.92.68 


61-82.03 


i.: 


Hamburghs begin to color. 


7lh 


66.90.67 


61-78.66 


Cloudy afternoon. 


1 


8lh 


6S.92.66 


62-85.64 


Misty till noon. 




9th 


65.90 64 


60 -72.. 57 


Clear. 




lOlli 


88.91.7C 


61-84.64 


u 


Muscats begin to color. 


nth 


69.92.69 


64-88.63 


Hazy, 




12th 


66.93.60 


61.83.64 


I'huiider Storm. 




13th 


69.94.65 


64.86.63 


-Showery. 




14th 


68.93.67 


62.88.60 


Thunder showers. 




15th 


67.92.68 


61.86.66 


Showery. 




16th 


66.91.64 


65.81.60 


Clear. 




17th 


64.92,63 


60. 72.. 58 


Hazv . 




18th 


65.92.71 


57.91.70 


Clear. 





90 



TUE GRAPE. 



DATE 


INSIDK. 


OUTSIDE. 


WEATUEH. 


REMARKS. 


J 


ane 19th 


69.9-I.6y 


65.96.68 


Clear. 






20tli 


72.94.73 


71.95.74 


u 


Cut ChasselasFontainebleau, 




2lsl 


73.93.65 


71.90.61 


Cloudy afternoon. 


ripe. 




22d 


71.92.64 


68.72.61 


U 11 






23d 


65.87.63 


60.73.61 


Cloudy with rain. 


Cut White Fronti^nan. 




24th 


66.90.63 


57.81.60 


Clear. 


Cut Grizzly Frontignan. 




25tli 


65.91.62 


•58.77.58 


(. 






26lh 


67.93.69 


59.82.68 


Partially cloudy. 






27th 


70.97.69 


65.98.66 


Thunder showers. 


Cut Hamburghs. 




28th 


68.91,73 


68.85.72 


u u 


Cut Cannon Hall Muscat. 




29th 


71.93.68 


68.86.65 


Clear. 


Cut Muscat of Alexandria, 




30th 


64.87.71 


58.81.70 


Cloudy with rain. 





After this lime tlie house was kept open at all times, excepting during very 
etrong winds, or severe storm, and an occasional soaking of water was given over 
the leaves to destroy insects and keep up a healthy action. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
POT CULTURE. 

The growing and fruiting of* the grape-vine in pots or 
tubs is, in some parts of Europe, very much practised at 
the present day, and some of our best practical men in this 
country are in favor of its being more generally adopted. 

As this mode requires the most vigilant care, we must 
consider the annual amount of labor incurred in watering, 
potting, and other attention which is required, besides the 
expense of pots or tubs in which to grow the plants, and 
also the continual raising of fresh stock. On the other, or 
credit side, there is the difference with regard to accom- 
modation and conveniences ; pot culture takes up no space 
outside the house ; the expense of outer borders, covering, 
&c., is avoided ; but there is a yearly item in prepared 
compost which only amounts to about the sum that top- 
dressings would require — a manure-water tank, or cistern, 
is absolutely necessary to supply the vines with nourish- 
ment, while growing freely; but this is a thing that ought 
to be on every place that pretends to good gardening. As 
to house-room, what will produce a given quantity of fruit 
by the usual mode, will do the same in pot culture ; and 
ail things considered, if sufficient care and attention can 
be relied on at all times, the latter mode has the prefer- 
ence ; still it ought to be borne in mind, that without all 
this, a poor sample of watery fruit will be the only reward, 
while with it, fine grapes, of good quality, can be realized ; 
and, considering the contingencies, it is only advisable to 
adopt this system as a first early crop. 

(91) 



92 THE GRAPE. 

If we consider that eacli fruiting plant in this case will 
occupy one square yard, which is about an average, a 
house twelve feet wide will accommodate three rows, and 
admit room for a pathway ; and allowing forty feet as the 
length, there will be house-room for thirty-nine vines, 
upon each of which may be ripened six to seven pounds 
of grapes, which will make the whole crop from two hun- 
dred and thirty to two hundred and seventy pounds 
weight. If the vines were planted out three feet apart, 
in the usual way, the same house would contain thirteen 
plants to the roof, and the same number on the back wall ; 
but as the latter will only hold good for two or three 
years, on account of shade, or may have been used up by 
previous cropping, they can only be put down as a 
small set-off against the advantages on the other side. 
These thirteen vines, if forced equally early, cannot be 
expected to produce more than an average of fifteen 
pounds, which will give a total of one hundred and ninety- 
five pounds. If the above calculations be correct — and we 
judge from practical experience in the matter — the weight 
of produce is in favor of pot culture ; but as we would not 
mislead, it is necessary to repeat, that the same quality is 
not to be obtained without skill, and the most careful 
attention. 

There may appear to be an objection to pot culture, 
from the general understanding, that Avhen the roots of a 
grape-vine are confined in so small a space, it will only 
bear one remunerative crop, and is afterwards useless; 
also, that a preparatory house will be needed for succession 
plants ; thus keeping occupied two compartments. As to 
the first, it is an error to suppose that a second, or even a 
third fruiting, may not be obtained from the same plants, 
if the roots are allowed to pass through the bottoms of the 
pots into the base beneath, which ought to be made suita- 



POT CULTURE. 93 

ble and fertile for the purpose. Under tliese circumstan- 
ces, and with the addition of liquid manure, there will be 
enough organized matter stored up for another season to 
maintain and develop all the next year's requirements. 
But allowing that only one fruiting could be realized, it is 
presumed that the crop would be ripe by the middle of 
May at the latest, and either all cut, or fit for removal to 
another and cooler apartment ; and as in such case the 
plants would not be wanted again, the roots that may have 
gone into the base below might be cut off, without any 
detriment to the quality of the fruit. The young succes- 
sion plants previous to this will have been only in a state 
of propagation, and have occupied no more space or head- 
room than a tolerably deep hot-bed frame Avould furnish ; 
so that, after the flooring of the house is again forked over, 
and a quantity more manure added, this young stock may 
be brought in, and established in their permanent position. 
Thus will one house, with the exception of a small pit, or 
hot-bed, answer all purposes, and v^ill be kept constantly 
at work. 

Vines for this purpose may be propagated from " eyes " 
in the usual way, by coiling, and by layers — (see Propaga- 
tion). When eyes are used, the young plants, after being 
well rooted, ought to be encouraged by plenty of pot room, 
and a fine genial, growing temperature maintained, similar 
to that used for fruiting. The most suitable compost is 
the peeling, or upper sward of a good pasture, which has 
laid together until the grass is dead, but not further de- 
composed. Chop this into small pieces with the spade, 
add an equal quantity of well decomposed barn-yard ma- 
nure, and if there are any clean broken bones to be had, 
or, what is the next best substitute, lime-rubbish, mix a 
quantity, say one-eighth part, and as much or more of 
charcoal lumps. This furnishes an open, porous, yet rich 



M THE GRAPK. 

material, in wliicli the roots will ramify very freely. At 
the first move from the striking-pot an ordinarily fertile 
soil is best, and the pot may be a quart in measure. As 
the young plant continues to progress, and has grown a 
foot or eighteen inches in height, it will be safe to remove 
into one of a gallon size, using the prepared compost, and 
make sure of efficient drainage by throAving over the bot- 
tom a couple of inches of crocks, or, still better, pieces of 
charcoal ; over this put a portion of the roughest of the 
compost, and fill in to near the top with the finer part, after 
having placed the plant in its proper place and position. 
Be careful not to break the ball of earth, during removal, 
when the pot is turned upside down, which may be pre- 
vented by giving the upper edge a smart rap on any solid 
substance near at hand, and keeping the fingers over the 
under surface, so as to receive the whole as it becomes 
liberated. After potting, give a good watering, and as the 
stems continue to elongate, tie them up carefully to stakes, 
until they have attained the height of seven feet, when 
the tops may be pinched oft'. Throughout the season the 
uppermost eyes will continue to push fresh growth, which 
ought to be stopped, each time, one leaf above the pre- 
vious operation. The object of this is to prevent the 
young vines from extending so much growth as would 
cause the lower leaves to be shaded, and consequently not 
able to elaborate the juices sufficiently to produce matured 
buds in the axils, the result of which is, a deficiency in the 
formation of the embryo fruit. If the plants are kept in a 
brisk and moist heat, and properly attended to by syring- 
ing and watering of the roots, they will progress fast, and 
by the middle of July will be ready to be placed in the 
fruitlng-pots, which ought to be from three to four gallons, 
according to the luxuriance of the vine, or robustness of 
the variety. The same process as to potting must be 



POT CULTURE. 9^5 

gone tlirougli at this as at the last remove, and the same 
material used, and particular care should be taken that no 
worms, or the larvse of beetles ]pe in the compost. It is a 
good plan to use a little caustic powdered lime through 
the mass, a short time previous to using, which is sure to 
have the desired effect, and is likewise beneficial to the 
plant. Throughout the whole summer the same treatment, 
with regard to heat, moisture, &c., that is suitable for planted- 
out vines will be right for those in pots ; and if the best 
management has been observed, at the end of the growing 
season, the canes will be Avell matured, correspondingly 
thick, and in a fit state for fruiting the next year. In the 
fall they may be cut back, the strongest to three feet, and 
the weaker ones to two feet six inches above the pot, and 
if there be a portion that are not strong enough to bear 
fruit, it is best to head them back to the lowest good bud 
at the same time. These latter, in the spring following, 
may be removed out of the pots, and the soil shaken from 
the roots, which ought to be someAvhat shortened in, and 
the plant again replaced, using fresh compost of the same 
kind, with the exception of a small quantity of good, fresh 
earth, but only sufficient of this to merely cover the roots, 
and keep the richer material from coming in close contact 
until the young fibres are emitted. Young, healthy roots 
will push into and luxuriate in a base that would destroy 
those which are mutilated ; hence the caution. 

When the coiling method is adopted (see Propagation, 
page 133), the fruiting-sized pot may be used at once, 
and the after treatment will be the same as for the others. 
This is the best method for obtaining strong vines for pot 
culture in the least possible time, and -vvhen there is a 
surplus supply of canes from other houses at pruning time, 
they may bo used to advantage for this purpose. 

A pot-vine, if properly managed, is certainly a pleasing 



<JG 



THE GKAPE. 



and very pretty object, but much depends upon tlic nicety 
of training. To gain tliis advantage, tlie plant ought not 
to be longer than is actually necessary, and the fruiting 
branches should be as near the surface of the pot as is 
consistent with securing good plump buds to start from, 
which can be mostly gained with a cane of two feet six 
inches to three feet long. After it is seen which shoots 
will produce the best bunches, choose six or seven which 
are nearly equidistant from each other, between the top 
and bottom, and as they elongate tie them 
out horizontally, diverging on all sides 
from the stem, which may be very neat- 
ly done by fixing a wire trellis, as seen 
in fig. 15, inside the pot. This is also ser- 
viceable to suspend the shoulders of the 
bunches to, and if not made of too heavy 
material, is scarcely visible, being decidedly 
preferable to a display of wooden supports. 
It should, however, be put over the plant 
before much growth has progressed, or there — 
is danger of breaking the young shoots. I'ig- i-'i. 

When the plants are to be fruited more than one season, 
the double spur method, page lit, is best, as it gives a 
greater choice of good buds, — a matter of some conse- 
quence when the wood is not over strong, and under these 
circumstances the bearing shoots may be cut clean away 
so soon as the fruit is cut, Avhicli admits the light and sun 
to the remaining leaves on the maiden spurs, thereby 
enabling them to have fall scope, and uninterrupted free- 
dom during the after part of the summer. Immediately 
after the leaves are fallen is the best time to prune, and 
at the same time, the roots that have gone into the soil 
below may be cut away, the pots cleaned, and the vines 
washed over with the mixture, page 65. Let all now go 




POT CULTUKE. 97 

quietly to rest for a time hj keeping a low temperature 
with plenty of air niglit and clay, and only giving enough 
water to prevent the roots and branches from shrivelling. 
Two or three weeks before commencing afresh, the plants 
ought to be carefully turned out of the pots without dis- 
turbing the balls, the roots examined, and any decayed 
portions cut clean off; at the same time take away a 
portion of the outer soil, and after putting a good quantity 
of drainage into each clean pot, again place the plant as 
before, filling in with some of the before-mentioned com- 
post. Before they are again placed in their permanent 
situation, let the under base be forked over, and some 
more decomposed barn-yard manure added. 

When growth is progressing freely, at all times, from 
the showing of the fruit until it is ripe, clear liquid manure 
ought to be applied; on this, in a great measure, depends 
success, or the best of quality. Each third or fourth supply 
of water should be, either diluted drainage from the dung- 
hill, or guano dissolved, in the quantity of one ounce to 
the gallon, and if these two are alternated it is still better. 
The remainder of the treatment required is the same as 
for other culture, and if the above directions are observed, 
there is no fear of failure. 



CHAPTER IX. 
THE RETARDINQ HOUSE. 

The object of the Retarding House is the reverse of 
the Early Grrapery. In the latter we wish to forward as 
much as possible the ripening of the fruit, while in the 
former, the intention is to retard it so far as can be done. 
It is therefore evident that the two features require very 
diflferent management ; in fact, in one, the process really 
and truly speaking, if judiciously applied, gives to the 
vine the requirement of its own or original constitution, 
by the assistance of artificial heat at the time when the 
plant is best able to be benefited by it, while the other 
has the same applied, only to keep out the frost at mid- 
winter, and to create a dry atmosphere when the fruit is 
hanging ripe, for the purpose of preserving it. 

From what has been previously explained, it will be 
readily seen that some difiiculty must occur, when we are 
trying to carry out in cultivation anything that is opposed 
to nature, or attempting to thwart her established vitality ; 
such becomes true here, for, our intention is to stay as 
much as possible that free and brisk action which alone 
will ensure the best results, notwithstanding which, as we 
have an object in view, and the demands of luxury must 
be supplied, our skill is brought into requisition, and to a 
certain extent the difiiculty is overcome. 

The general routine, in this case, will be the endeavor 
to keep back the precocity of the fruit by all consistent means 
— one of which is to avoid the very earliest varieties ; an- 

(,98) 



THE RETARDING HOUSE. 99 

other, securing the right aspect of the house, which is fully 
explained, page 37. It is also essentially requisite to give 
free ventilation, both day and night, excepting in severe 
weather, during the whole of the spring months, by which 
a cool temperature may be maintained, and the early flow 
of the sap prevented. When it is seen that the buds can 
be no longer kept from bursting, the house may be closed, 
but as it is not advisable to raise so high a temperature in 
this, as in the other successions, there ought not to be so 
much water applied, because, if it be too liberally supplied 
in this counteraction of the natural energy, there would 
be too much moisture absorbed from the atmosphere by 
the leaves, and from the soil by the roots ; the consequence 
of which would be too great a preponderance of fluid 
matter, without an equivalent amount of carbonized and 
solid material, and hence, a plethoric state of the whole 
structure — a liability to disease — want of fertility in the 
blossoms — a bad set of inferior berries — and consequently, 
poor quality of badly flavored fruit. Water may, how- 
ever, be administered with discretion. According as the 
growth progresses, as it is more or less active, or the 
weather is wet and cold, or dry and hot, so let the water 
be given or withheld. When the leaves are fully develop- 
ed, the shoots stopped, and the blossoms expanded, syring- 
ing may be entirely discontinued, excepting occasionally on 
bright mornings, for, unless due caution be exercised 
during the remainder of the growing season, there is danger 
of mildew. This troublesome guest is more likely to 
attack the Retarding House than any other, and conse- 
quently, greater vigilance is necessary. It is most gener- 
ally to be apprehended while the fruit is swelling, and 
before the carbonaceous matter has become so far concen- 
trated as to be relieved from the greater overplus of 
acidity; and as the secretions of the plants in this house 



100 THE GRAPE. 

are in such a state, during tlie months of July and August, 
when the sporules of the fungus are most active, it is very 
necessary to keep careful watch, and avoid as much as 
possible all sudden transitions of temperature; do not 
allow the house to be closed until it becomes hot, but 
admit air freely whenever required; be wary of bottom 
drafts, keep the lower ventilators closed in damp weather, 
and if such continues for any length of time with a humid 
atmosphere, a little artificial heat may be applied for the 
time being, with the upper ventilators opened, which will 
keep down the thermometer, dry the air, and stay the 
progress of the mildew if it be present, or prevent its 
germination if not so. Sulphur aught to be liberally 
strewed over the floor for the same purpose, and if a small 
quantity be thrown on the flue, avoiding the hottest end, or 
on any part of the hot water pipes, as the case may be, 
there need not be any fear of its ravages extending. An- 
other mischief to be expected at times to this crop is, 
shrivel and shankhig, the best means of avoiding which is 
to continue the same regularity of management that has 
been observed through the whole progress, and until the 
fruit is colored ; after this period there is no danger, and 
the house may afterwards be left open constantly, or par- 
tially, or entirely closed, as the weather may be wet or 
frosty. A portion of the grapes in this house will have to 
remain on the vines during the winter, and must be kept 
quite dry and free from frost, which makes it necessary to 
use a trifle of fire-heat at times, just enough, but not more 
than, to answer the purpose; and if the berries were not 
well thinned at the proper time, they ought to be further 
reduced in number now, so that they may hang loosely, 
thereby preventing close contact, and admitting a free 
circulation around each. 

As the fruit often remains beyond the usual time of 



Tlli-] RETARDING HOUSE. 101 

pruning, it is well not to make a general rule of cutting 
all at once, or leaving the vines until the crop is cleared, 
but do it so soon as the leaves are turned yellow, or faUen ; 
a]id the whole of the fruit is gathered on each separate 
plant, which will enable the operator to accomplish a good 
part of this work sooner, and give a portion of the stock 
a better chance of the same action that we always find of 
service, by a periodical and judicious pruning in all other 
instances. This is more strictly applicable where the 
spur method is adopted, but is nevertheless to be recom- 
mended for the long rod, as the latter offers greater facili- 
ties than the former, because there is a less disposition to 
break or burst the buds, with a young and strong cane in 
early spring, than with spurs ; and as the whole of the 
previous bearing shoot is taken away, there is only one 
•cut exposed to the danger of bleeding ; a subject of some 
importance, if the fruit has been kept on the vine until 
late. In such case, immediately on removing the branch, 
the severed surface should be covered over with a coating 
of grafting wax, white lead, or, what is still better, finely 
powdered oyster-shells and cheese, worked together into a 
thick cement, and a portion rubbed well into the exposed 
pores. This, we repeat, ought to be done immediately 
after pruning, and all danger of bleeding will be avoided. 
It is of little use to attempt to stop the sap after it has 
commenced to flow, for there is a propelling power in the 
action of a plant at this time that is truly wonderful ; and 
although there is not so much injury from tlie loss of a 
portion of the fluid as some persons would have us believe, 
still it is better to prevent the waste, for it certainly does 
check, to some extent, the full burst of nature, as we have 
cften satisfactorily proved. 

It may be thought, from the preceding caution, and 
seeming uncertainty, that the Retarding House ought to be 



102 THE GRAPE. 

abandoned ; so it ought, were it not for the desirableness 
of having ripe grapes at mid-winter, and before the earliest 
house can be made to produce them ; and it certainly is, 
these advantages considered, worth a little trouble and 
extra care. 

In taking a review of the various succession crops here- 
tofore treated on, we may now calculate how long it is 
possible to have ripe grapes fresh from the vine. The 
First Early can be had from the beginning of May, and 
will continue to the middle of June, when the Second 
Early will be ready, and give a supply until the middle of 
August. The Cold Grapery now comes in, and will furnish 
a general quantity till the middle of November ; after this, 
the Retarding House gives its quota on to the last of Feb- 
ruary, which collectively leaves only two months deficient, 
or without a supply ; and as there are some kinds, as the 
Muscats, Frontignans, and Chasselas, that may b« pre- 
served by care, and if it is absolutely required, even in 
this remaining short period, a far better sample may be 
furnished than is to be had from the finest quality of im- 
ported raisins; so that, where expense is no object, and 
the luxury is demanded, it may be enjoyed without inter- 
mission. 

If the air of the grapery be kept dry enough, some 
grapes will remain good on the vine until they become 
raisins ; but it is not convenient at all times to leave them 
so, and in such case, those that are to be preserved may 
be cut when they can no longer be left When they are 
removed, the bunches ought to be carefully examined, 
and all injured or decayed berries cut out, and suspended, 
the reverse way to that in which they were grown, by 
hooked wires fixed to a frame-work, so that each bunch 
and berry may hang free from contact, and they will re- 
quire to be kept in a very dry room, partially excluded 



THE RETuiRDIXG HOUSE. 103 

from the light, and where there is enough fire at suitable 
times to keep the temperature from 40*^ to 50*^. A well- 
planned fruit-room is all that is needed, and Avhere there 
is not such a convenience, the above hints may assist in 
directing attention to some other apartment about the 
premises that will answer the purpose, and enable the 
lover of this ambrosial fruit to enjoy to the fullest extent 
this munificent gift of our benevolent Creator. 



CHAPTER X. 
LIST OF VARIETIES. 

To begin to individualize, or render a plain exposition 
to the uninitiated in grape nomenclature, is a very difficult 
affair. As it now stands before tlie public, it is nothing 
more than a heterogeneous jumble of confusion, and the 
search after a thoroughly practical understanding of the 
matter requires more time, patience, and expense, than 
even the enthusiast would be willing to encounter in the 
investigation, if he only knew beforehand the maze he 
had to travel through. To such an extent have the various 
synonymes become multiplied, that the examination of 
them shows clearly the ridiculousness of the number, and 
the only way of extricating the subject from the tiresome 
burden of incongruity, is by making use only of a few that 
we know are most familiar in the society in which we live, 
and only introducing such kinds as are distinct, or worthy 
of cultivation, headed by the most popular name by which 
it is known in our midst. It would be no difficult matter 
to introduce and describe some hundred so-called varieties, 
but when they were applied for, and obtained, which they 
might be from the various nurseries in our own country 
and Europe, the half of them would prove to be merely 
duplicates, — nay, we will go further, and assert that not 
more than a fourth, from some places, if thus sought after, 
will be really distinct; besides, were the expected variety 
to be forthcoming under such circumstances a great por- 
tion are only novelties and would lead to chagrin and 

(10-1) 



LIST OF VARIETIES. 105 

vexation wlien they were proved. We take in this case 
a utilitarian view of the subject, and would leave the 
further action open to those of unlimited means and un- 
controlled enthusiasm to go along with their own fancy. 
They cannot be better employed, and the results of their 
labors will be of the same national benefit as is that of 
the only theoretical and experimental farmer; good collec- 
tively, at the expense of the individual, and praiseworthy, 
without profit, to the searcher after progressive improve- 
ment. It is to the exertions of such laudable persons that 
we are indebted for much of our knowledge and gain, and 
such deserve more often than they receive the gratitude 
of their fellow men and a monument for their patriotism. 
Having said thus much, it becomes our duty to keep our 
position, and give in the first place a general descriptive 
list of the best sorts in cultivation, and select out of the 
same those varieties that are adapted to the various pur- 
poses treated on. 

BLACK OE PURPLE. 

Black Hamburgh, (syn. Ilamptcn Court Vine — 
Frankcndale.) — Bunches large, compact and well shoul- 
dered. Berries large, round, black, flavor full and sweet. 
The best black grape grown for table use. 

Victoria Hamburgh. — Similar to the above when 
true ; the berries somewhat larger and very black, and the 
Lunches more tapering. 

Wilmott's Hamburgh. — Bunches very compact, ber- 
ries large, very black, round, appearing (under good 
culture) as if hammered on the surface; a fine grape, but 
net quite equal to the first in flavor. 

Wilmott's No. 16. — A seedling from Black Hamburgh, 
and so like it as scarcely to be distinguished. 

Miller's Burgundy, (syn. Miller Graj^c.) — Bunches 



106 THE GKAFE. 

short and close, berries roiindlsli oval, black, rather small, 
covered with a blue bloom, flavor not good until fully 
ripe. An early variety of second rate quality for the 
grapery, but suitable for out-door culture. The leaves of 
this sort are pubescent, hence its name from the white 
downy appearance. 

Black Cluster, (syn. Black July.) — Bunches small and 
clustered ; berries jet black, small, flavor sprightly but 
wanting in fullness, one of the very earliest kmds, but not 
worth room in the grapery. The leaves of this are free 
of the downiness mentioned in the last. 

West's St. Peters, (syn. Black Lomhardy — Poonah 
— Raisin des Carmes.) — Bunches medium size, long, taper- 
ing, well shouldered ; berries medium size, oval, very 
black, covered with a blue bloom, very sweet and sprightly ; 
a fine late sort. 

Mitcpiell's St. Peters. — Similar to the above, but a 
handsomer bunch and berry. 

ZiNFiNDAL. — Bunches long, peculiar in form, being some- 
times composed of two shoulders, berries roundish oval, 
black, sv/eet, but tame, a good hardy sort. 

Black Frontignan. (syn. Black Constantia — Black 
Frontignac — Muscat 7io'ir de Frontignac) — Bunches below 
medium size, tapering, small shouldered ; berries not large, 
round, black, musky and sweet, a good grape, but bad to 
color, and in some houses subject to shank. 

Black Prince, (syn. Cavihridge Botanic Garden — 
Alicant.) — Bunches long, tapering and well shouldered; 
berries a little above medium size, oval, black, very sweet 
and sprightly, a first-rate sort. 

Scharge's Henltng. — Bunches long, tapering, and 
clustered; berries small, oval, very black, sweet and brisk; 
pretty in form, and a seedling from the Burgundy. 

Black Tripoli (of Bpeechley). — Bunches in form like 



LIST OF VARIETIES. 107 

HamLurgli, but rather loose ; berries large, black, flavor 
good ; useful as a late grape. 

EsPERiONE. (syn. Cumberland Lodge — Blue Windsor.) 
— Bunches large shouldered ; berries medium size, black 
with fine bloom ; pretty, but second rate. 

Prince Albert, (syn. Royal Albert.) — Bunches large, 
heavy shouldered, and tapering; berries medium size, 
round, black ; flesh solid, sweet and sprightly. This is a 
very strong grower, and shy bearer, except in poor soil, 
otherwise it is a first-rate late sort. We are inclined to 
think that the Black Barbarossawill prove the same as this. 

Black Morocco, (syn. Black Muscadel.) — Bunches large 
and heavy shouldered ; berries large, ovoid, brownish 
black when fully ripe, flesh solid and only second quality ; 
a very late grape, and with fire-heat tolerably good. 

Purple Frontignan. (syn. Purple Constantia — Blue 
Frcntignan — Voilet Frontignan) — Bunches long and 
tapering with small shoulders ; berries medium size, blue 
blacky flavor slightly musky, and agreeable. This grape 
and the true Black Frontignan are so generally mixed up 
in different collections, as to frequently lead to disputes 
in their individual identity ; our own observation inclines 
to distinctness of the two sorts, the black scarcely ever 
colors further than a brownish jet ; while the purj^le 
assumes a true bluish-black, even with ordinary culture. 
The former has also a stronger musky flavor, and will 
hang until they becom.e raisins. 

Oldaker's St. Peters, (syn. Black St. Peters — 
Black Palestine.) — Bunches somewhat like Hamburgh, but 
loose, berries rather large, round, black ; flavor sweet ; a 
good late grape but not a very free bearer. 

WHITE AND AMBER COLORED. 
Chasselas de Fontainebleau. (syn. CJiasselas pre- 
coce — White Chasselas — Royal Chasselas — Chasselas de 



108 THE GRAPE. 

Bur Sur Auhe.) — Bundles tapering, well-slioulderecl, me- 
dium size ; berries round, medium size, amber-white ; 
flavor sweet and full. One of the most reliable and 
early of white grapes, and the very best quality. 

Malvasia. (syn. Grove-end Sioeet Water — Early 
White Malvoise.) — Bunches rather below medium size, 
small shoulders, tapering ; berries greenish-amber, beloAv 
medium size, roundish oval, transparent, very sweet ; a 
good early kind. 

Golden Chasselas. — Bunches long and tapering; ber- 
ries medium size, round, yellowish-amber color ; sweet 
and sprightly. With fire heat this is a good grape, but in 
the Cold Grrapery it is often a bad setter, and is at all 
times somewhat uncertain. 

lloYAL Muscadine. — This grape is often considered to 
be the same as Chasselas Fontainebleau, although quite dis- 
tinct. The bunch of this variety is much larger, and the 
color more inclining to yellow. It is seldom seen true ; 
the last named being often substituted for it. 

Chasselas Musque. (syn. Muscat Blanc Hatif—Joslyns 
St. Albans) — Bunches medium size, tapering ; berries 
round, flattened on tlie end ; amber- white, musky, rich, 
and very sweet; a free bearer, and one of the finest 
grapes in cultivation ; it is, however, very liable to crack, 
if not well ventilated, and more than usually subject to 
shrivel. 

White Gascoine. — Bunches rather large, well-should- 
ered, tapering; berries oval ; white, flavor good. Subject 
to crack sometimes in a damp house. A good sort. 

Verdelho. (syn. Madeira Wine Grape.) — Bunches ra- 
ther small, loose ; berries medium size, oval, yellowish- 
green, sweet, and pleasant ; a good variety and vigorous 
grower, but not a very free bearer. 

White Tokay, (syn. True Tokay — Tuhai Blanc) — 



LIST OF VARIETIES. 109 

Bunches long and compact ; berries roundish-oval, medium 
size, white, sweet, and pleasant; a fine sort, but subject 
to shrivel when growing in a wet border. 

White Frontignan. (syn. W/iite Constantia — White. 
Frontignac — Muscat Blame) — Bunches below medium size, 
long, small shouldered; berries medium size, round, light 
amber, musky and sweet ; a fine early sort. 

Decon's Superb. ( syn. Sahibee. ) — Bunches rather 
large and handsome ; berries large, oval, amber color, ap- 
pearing as if frosted over the surface. This is a splendid 
looking grape, but of second quality ; and in a cold house 
often a bad setter. 

White Nice. ( syn. Xe.res. ) — Bunches very large, and 
many shouldered; berries medium size, round, amber- 
white, sweet, and sherry tasted. A fine sort, and occa- 
sionally most extraordinarily large. It has been grown to 
nineteen pounds weight, but such bunches are only ex- 
ceptions. Many Spaniards to w^iom we have shown this 
grape, recognize it as the one from which sherry wine is 
made. 

Syrian. — Bunches very large, and heavy shouldered ; 
berries large, slightly oval, Avhite and sweet. If we have 
at the present time any grape in cultivation which is the 
the one brought by spies out of the land of Canaan, this is 
the most likely sort. It is always large, and sometimes 
very heavy ; a fine late kind. 

White Lisbon, (syn. White Hamburgh — White Fortu- 
gal.) — Bunches sometimes large shouldered, large and ra- 
ther loose, but when well grown very handsome ; berries 
oval, white, large, solid ; flavor sweet, but only second 
rate. This is the grape that is imported from Europe in 
jars. It is a fine sort for the Retarding House, as it keeps 
well and ripens late. 

PiTMASTON White Cluster. — Bunches medium size, 



110 THE Gil APE. 

compact ; Lerries round, white, medium size, sweet, and 
good flavored. A fine early sort of the Chasselas class. 

Scotch White Cluster. — Very like the above. 

Gromier du Cantal. ( syn. Decandollel) — Bunches 
large, broad, heavy shouldered ; berries large, round, am- 
ber colored, blotched with purplish brown, sweet, and 
brisk flavored ; very thin skinned ; a good sort for imme- 
diate use, but soon spoils. 

De LA Palestine. — Bunches much branched, and very 
long, often two feet ; shoulders very numerous and long ; 
berries below medium size, oval, amber colored, very 
sweet. A good late fancy kind, and distinct in appear- 
ance. 

Dutch Sweet Water, (syn. Pearl Drop — Pareyl 
Druyf.) — Bunches medium size, compact, and well-should- 
ered ; in form like Hamburgh ; berries large, round, trans- 
parent, white, very sweet, skin thin. A fine early sort, 
seldom seen true, the old White Sweet Water being often 
substituted. 

Muscat of Alexandria, (syn. White Muscat — Ma- 
laga.) — Bunches handsome, well formed, and large ; ber- 
ries large, oval, amber colored, musky, and sweet. Un- 
questionably one of the finest grapes in cultivation, but 
requires artificial heat, particularly while in bloom. 

Cannon Hall Muscat.— Very like the above, but of 
more robust growth, and larger berries ; the bunches also 
are generally more tapering, and the stamens six, occasion- 
ally seven, in number. 

Muscat of Lunel. — Like the Muscat of Alexandria, 
with smaller berries. 

Charlesworth Tokay. — Bunches large, long, and 
well shouldered; berries large, roundish oval, amber- 
white, rich, vinous, and musky. This is a good variety, 
and sometimes mistaken for Muscat of Alexandria, al- 



LIST OF VARIETIES. Ill 

tliougli quite distinct. The foliage of this is more deeply- 
cut, and not reflexed on the edges. 

White Corinth. — Bunches tapering ; berries close set, 
small, very pretty, and prolific, a fancy kind. 

RED AND TAWNY COLORED. 

E,ED Traminer. — Bunches below medium size, should- 
ered and tapering; berries rather small, round, of a rus- 
sety-red color ; a good sort. This is one of the best wine 
grapes of the Rhine, and suitable in some situations for out- 
door culture in our own climate. 

Red Chasselas. (syn. Red Muscadine — Muscadine 
Rouge.) — Bunches medium size, shouldered ; berries me- 
dium size, round, sweet, and good. This variety is re- 
markable for having the berries red from the first, and 
afterwards changing to a lighter shade when ripe. The 
wood also is of a reddish color. 

Rose Chasselas. (syn. Violet Chasselas.) — Bunches 
below medium size, shouldered ; berries below medium, 
round, rose color, sweet. A good sort. 

Austrian Muscat. — Bunches medium size, very com- 
pact ; berries closely set, roundish-oval, tawny-red ; skin 
thill. This grape is not unlike the Grizzly Frontignan 
either in flavor or appearance, but is not so good ; and is 
subject to crack, but hangs long after being ripe. 

Grizzly Frontignan. (syn. Red Consiantia — Grizzly 
Frontignac — Muscat Gris^ — Bunches tapering with small 
shoulders, below medium size. Berries, medium size, 
round, grizzly red, musky, rich and sweet. A fine early 
grape, and hangs Avell after being ripe. 

Reine de Nice. (syn. Queen of Lojnhardy.) — Bunches 
very large, tapering, well-shouldered and handsome. Ber- 
ries large, oval, irregular on the surface, rose color ; flesh 
hard and sweet. A fine late grape, but sometimes a shy 



112 THE GRAPE. 

bearer if sjiurred in too close. It may be preserved as 
long as the imported White Lisbon. 

Flame-colored Tokay, (syn. Red Lomhardy.)— 
Bunches very large, well-shouldered and handsome ; 
berries large, close-set, roundish, pale red, sweet and 
sprightly. A fine late grape. 

As most persons will only require to grow the finest 
quality, and many have but a limited space, the above 
list is reduced to the best twenty, ten, and five (including 
§0 far as can be a variety of color), as follows : — 
COLD GRAPERY, 

BEST TWENTY. 

Black Hamburgh, White Gascoine, 

Yv^illmott's Hamburgh, White Frontignan, 

W^est's St. Peters, White Mce, 

Black Prince, Syrian, 

Black Frontignan, PitmastonWhite Cluster, 

Zinfindal, De la Palestine, 

Eed Traminer, Eed Muscadine, 

Eose Chasselas, Grizzly Frontignan, 

Chasselas Fontainebleau, Eeine de Nice, 

Chasselas IMusque, Royal Muscadine. 

BEST TEX. 

Black Hamburgh, Chasselas Fontainebleau, 

West's St. Peters, Syrian, 

Black Prince, Zinfindal, 

White Frontignan, Reine de Nice, 

Grizzly Frontignan, Chasselas Musque. 

BEST riVE. 

Black Hamburgh, White Frontignan, 

West's St. Peters, Chasselas Fontainebleau. 

Black Prince, 

FORCING HOUSE. 

BEST TEN. 

Cannon Hall Muscat, Chasselas Fontainebleau 



]..IST OF VARIETIES. 113 

Muscat of Alexaiidria, Grizzly Frontignan, 

Black Kamuurgli, White Frontignan, 

Willmot's Hamburgh, Chasselas Musque, 

Dutch Sweetwater, Black Prince. 

BEST FIVE. 

Muscat of Alexandria, Grizzly Frontignan, 

Black Hamburgh, Black Prince. 

Chasselas Fontainebleau, 

KETARDING HOUSE. 

BEST TEN. 

Black Hamburgh, White Lisbon, 

Black Prince, Muscat of Alexandria, 

West's St. Peters, Willmot's Hamburgh, 

Prince Albert, Syrian, 

Reine de Nice, Flame-colored Tokay. 

BEST FIYE. 

Black Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, 

West's St. Peters, White Lisbon. 

Reine de Nice, 

POT CULTURE. 

BEST FIVE. 

Black Hamburgh, White Frontignan, 

Chasselas Fontainebleau, Black Prince. 
Grizzly Frontignan, 

Where profit and quality combined are the objects 
in view, Black Hamburgh and Chasselas Fontainebleau in 
the Cold Grapery, and Muscat of Alexandria added in 
the Forcing House, will take precedence ; and we may 
here remark, that whatever care may be taken in impreg- 
nating the Muscats, where artificial heat is not used, the 
set will be uncertain, owing to a deficiency of heat and 
clear weather, in some seasons, at blooming time. The 



11-1 THE GRAPE. 

whole class requires more heat and a drier atmosphere 
than is necessary for any other sort ; they flourish best 
in countries which are often too arid and hot for the suci 
cessful cultivation of grapes generally. In southern Spain, 
and the warm and dry climates of Lima, and similar locali- 
ties on the western coast of South America, they luxuriate 
without much care or attention, and produce most abun- 
dant crops of the finest fruit. Under cultivation, a dry 
atmosphere during the period of rest, and likewise at the 
time of the blossoms setting for fruit, is almost indispen- 
sably requisite ; lacking this in the first place, the embryo 
flowers do not receive sufficient concentration, and a defi- 
ciency of the same in the latter instance when they ex- 
pand, they have not power enough to impregnate healthily. 
By artificially fertilizing v/ith other varieties, or even by 
their own pollen, this enfeebled condition is somewhat as- 
sisted. Where the musky -flavored grapes are preferred, and 
fire heat is not to be applied, the Avant may be made up by 
planting an extra quantity of Frontignans and Chasselas 
Musque, which is of the same class, and one of the finest 
quality — quite equal in this respect to the Muscats. All 
of these have the good property of hanging long after 
being ripe, and are also early varieties. The Chasselas 
Musqno is faulty from its liability to crack when swelling 
fbr ripening, but a free ventilation at the time, and a drier 
atmosphere, vrill considerably counteract this evil, and 
when once ripe, it will continue good for a long time. 

To give a long list of native grapes would be only 
penning a useless array of words, considering there are 
so few that are of sterling merit. Of late years several 
enterprising cultivators have done something to improve 
the present quality by raising seedlings, among whom arc 
Mr. Longworth, of Cincinnatti, Dr. Underbill, of Croton 
Point, and others j but so far there is not much progress 



LIST OF VARIETIES. 115 

to be reported. Two of the best we have at present are 
Isabella and Catawba, both of which are only natural 
seedlings ; the former from the species Labrusca, and 
the latter, Avhich is the famous Wine Grape of the West, 
most likely an accidental cross between Labrusca and 
Vulpina. What a wide field is there here for experiment. 
If we have advanced no further than what nature has 
done for us, surely we are only on the first step towards 
that perfection which the energy of the country can ac- 
complish. The necessity of a thing has only to be seen, 
when ingenuity is set to work to bring about the desired 
ultimatum; and now we see this necessity, there is no 
doubt but ere long we shall have as great a variety with 
good quality for all purposes in the indigenous kinds, as 
are at present found in the foreign. This is no over- 
stretched notion, and we are confident that it both can and 
w^ill be eventually accomplished. The American Pomolo- 
gical Society at their last meeting came to the conclusion 
that the only sorts worthy of being considered best were 
Isabella, Catawba, and Diana, with a recommendation 
for further trial of the Concord. That meeting contained 
the best knowledge throughout the country, and our own 
opinion is in strict accordance with their decision ; conse- 
quently it may be better to let this short notice serve for 
the present, with the hope that the desirable addenda will 
be forthcoming hereafter; and for this reason there is a 
chapter in its proper place on the raising of new kinds. 

As the Scuppernong class is found to flourish the best 
in the Southern States, the few varieties contained in it 
may be added for that region ; but these, like all the rest, 
are capable of great improvement ; and it is very likely 
that if the best varieties of California and southern Texas 
he crossed upon them, a fine race would be obtained. 



CHAPTEE XI. 
PRUNING AND TRAINING 

There are various methods of pruning and training the 
grape-vine, and each method has had its supporters. Good 
crops also have been produced hy many of them, under 
skilful hands, and no doubt will continue to be. The fact 
is, the grape-vine is so productive, and fruits so freely, 
even with very ordinary treatment, that bad indeed must 
be the case when it ceases to jield its luscious ST\-eets. 
Yet while so submissive under ill usage, and grateful, as it 
were, for a common existence, like other creatures of na- 
ture's higher organization, its expansive powers will become 
contracted, and the tractable disposition rendered stubborn, 
by long continued abuse ; in which case, the quality of the 
fruit is deteriorated, the bunches are small, or the flavor 
inferior ; and as pruning has something to do with this, 
particularly the small bunches, it may be well to explain 
the different modes that are practised, and state the va- 
rious results obtained by them. 

Although it is best to allow the grape-vine, like all other 
fruits, to judiciously and periodically extend the superfi- 
cial surface of the leaves and branches, our arrangements 
and conveniences do not always admit of this desirable 
consummation being carried out. Such being the case, it 
behooves us, under the circumstances, not to distort nature 
any more than we can avoid. In accordance with these 
views, first, is mentioned the plan, we generally adopt. 

Supposing that we have got a cane of the first summer's 
growth, cut it back, in length according to thickness ; 
if very strong — say six feet, or only middling so, to five, 

(116) 



PRUNING AND TKAINING. 



117 



or even four feet ; next commence at the top, leave three 
eyes, the upper one for the future leader, and the two 
others for the top pair of branches ; cut out the next two, 
leave the two beneath, and continue on so to within 
eighteen inches of the soil, below which remove all to the 
bottom, as there is no use in having any fruit lower down. 
During the next summer these eyes will, if well attended 
to, form side spurs, which in their turn will have to be cut 
back to two, three, or even four buds, as they may be 
plump, or well developed. Now, when these buds begin 
to grow, we ought to have a shoot from each of them, and 
as only one bunch ought to be allowed to remain on each 
base, the other shoots will appear so far superfluous. Re- 
tain the one at the base, or nearest to the main cane, and 
likewise that one above it Avhich shows the best bunch ; 
rub off the others, and pinch out the fruit from the lower, 
and also all, excepting the best formed bunch on the upper 
one. As they progress in growth, take out the top of that 
which has fruit on, three or four leaves above the bunch, 
and let the other extend until it has unfolded seven or 
eight leaves ; then stop it. Bring the bearing branches 
down, nearly horizontal, to the upright cane, and tie them 
to the side-wires ; train the others at an oblique angle, and 
tie them likewise. They will now appear as seen in Fig. 
16. a is the base shoot, and b the fruiting one. As both 
continue to push forth fresh growth from Fig. le. 

time to time through the summer, nip out 
to one leaf above where last stopped- 
After the fruit is cut, and the wood be- 
comes ripe, say two or three weeks before 
the leaves fall, go over and cut (b) clean 
away to the base of (a), which leaves the 
spurs for fruiting the next year as near to 
the main cane as if the close cut method 




118 thp: grape. 

had been adopted, with the advantage of having spurs 
which have not been burdened with fruit, and also the 
probability of future finer bunches, for the most prominent 
and well-formed buds always bring the best shaped and 
largest clusters, and this action gives a better chance of 
obtaining such. There is no fear of not being able to get 
shoots from the base, if properly managed; for, in most 
cases, adventitious buds, and generally more than will be 
wanted, are developed, and have to be rubbed off. When 
these side spurs have accumulated, and extend along the 
whole length to the top of the house, the leader may be 
cut off above the top pair, and if proper care has been 
taken in breaking the buds, as previously advised, there 
will be a uniform strength over the whole vine. If the 
canes have been previously disbudded, there is no danger 
of over-crowding, as the following year the bearing branch 
is brought down to the same position as that of last season, 
and the other one trained more npright into the vacant 
space. 

All trees have a natural tendency to push the strongest 
growth to the top and extreme ends, particularly while 
young and vigorous ; and if the side branches are very 
closely cut away periodically, the sap is directed more 
strongly upwards, the lateral force is reduced in a cor- 
responding ratio, and the side branches are rendered 
weaker. This is often seen in the grape-vine, and is as 
often a cause of complaint. Now, the above method very 
m.uch counteracts this evil, as a greater quantity of leaves 
are encouraged from each individual base, and, of course, 
a greater draw of fluid is produced into the side branches, 
which, when once established, remains permanent ; and, 
so long as the same causes are in existence, the flow is 
equalized, the side spurs correspondingly stronger, the 
buds become plumper, and the bunches larger. To still 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. 119 

further encourage this lateral action, it is not advisable to 
take out the overplus buds in the fall, at the same time 
that the cane is disbudded, for the simple reason that the 
plants are collecting food, and filling up the seemingly 
latent parts through the winter, excepting when the Avhole 
structure is frozen, and the channels of absorption thereby 
stopped ; consequently, all the buds receive a due share. 
Although a portion of this stored up nutriment is wasted, 
by allowing the useless buds to expand, we gain the ad- 
vantage of encouraging a greater flow into the side branches 
until the time when the unfolding leaves are enabled to 
keep up the action. 

Another method of spur-pruning, and the one most gen- 
erally practised, is to allow the cane to extend itself up- 
wards each season, as above described, until it reaches the 
top, and retain the side spurs closer and alternately 
arranged along the cane ; each year resting, or not allow- 
ing to bear, every alternate spur, and when pruning, the 
cutting of all the spurs close down to one eye ; or leaving 
those for fruiting the following season somewhat longer, 
and in the next fall cutting the same spur close into the 
cane; the object being to keep the side branches "at 
home." Fig. 17 shows the cane when pruned. Very 
good crops are often produced in this way, Avith Fig. it. 
otherwise good treatment ; but in the first instance 
the bunches are generally small, and although in 
the latter this is for a few years obviated, still there 
is the disadvantage of having to cut back to the 
main stem, and of trusting entirely to the buds which 
may thus be prompted to push forth. This close 
cutting weakens down the lateral force of the plant's 
energy, in a short time the spurs become weak, and 
the whole cane has eventually to be cut down ; by 
which, to say the least of it, one year's crop is lost. We 



120 



THE GRAPE. 



are aware, that in thus speaking of this walking-stick 
mode of pruning, we are going in the face of many good 
grape-growers ; but the fact of a thing being generally 
*' fashionable," is no criterion of its excellence. Nature's 
action in all these matters ought to be our guide, and the 
more we adapt ourselves to her laws^ the more permanent 
will be our success. 

Sometimes the long-rod method is practised. In this 
case, the first summer the cane is trained up as in the 
former modes, only left somewhat longer when pruned, 
and this suffered to bear a full crop the next season ; after 
which it is cut clean out to one eye from the bottom ; an- 
other cane having been taken up during the same time 
from its base, to afterwards take the place of the one last 
fruited, and so on. By this plan, which is seen in Fig. 18, 
Fig, 18. fine fruit may be obtained, as the bunches ema- 
nate from strong buds, which, if they have 
been previously well ripened, throw off hand- 
some and large clusters ; but there is the evil 
of having to cut off, at one fell swoop, the half 
of the plant, leaving no perennial structural base, 
excepting the very lowest stump. This whole- 
sale and oft-repeated cutting keeps the plant 
in a continual state of excitement, which is sure 
to eventually show itself in premature weak- 
ness. It is sometimes useful to resort to this plan, where 
the upright training surface is contracted, as in narrow or 
short raftered pits ; but here it may be modified by ex- 
tending and training the leading shoots horizontally a 
little further each season, and taking upright canes from 
these main branches, at the distance of two feet apart ; in 
which case, each alternate upright may be cut out to an 
eye, after bearing, and another shoot be taken up the next 
season, to fruit in its turn, as shown in Fig 19. As the 





riiUNING AND TRAINING. 121 

horizontal shoots elongate, the Fig- 19. 

vines which are right and left 
of them may be taken out. 

We may also make an ex- 
ception in favor of the last 
mentioned, with regard to vine- 
yard culture, for it is the best 
of all others for the purpose, 
on account of the facility with which the canes can be tied 
to the supports, and the permanently less quantity of 
plants that it is necessary to congregate on a given space. 
And here we have evidence to prove the above mentioned 
assertions respecting the shortening of vitality ; for a 
plantation trained on the single cane short-cut plan, and 
every season subjected to this severe lopping, requires 
occasional renewing. So much is this the case in some 
parts of Europe, that a fresh plantation of vines has to be 
made every three or four years. Now, as this can be pre- 
vented with so little expense or trouble, and there is a 
more than counterbalancing advantage arising from the 
system, it is well, in this particular instance, to follow 
what best answers the purpose in view. 

The renewal method is adopted by some, which is as 
follows : The one year old cane is cut back to about half 
the length of the rafter, and allowed to bear the next 
season ; while fruiting, the top growth is conducted per- 
pendicularly, and at the proper time is pruned off at the 
top of the house ; during the same summer, another cane 
is taken up from the bottom, and on one side, which is cut 
back one-half, as . the other one Avas the previous year. 
The next season, this new cane is allowed to fruit, and also 
the upper part of the first one, the side spurs on the 
lower half having been cut out. Thus, there is a full 
crop, only each half is on two separate canes. The 
6 



122 



THE GRAPE. 



youngest one is now suffered to grow, and is in its turn 
cut off at the top, another brought up from the bottom, 
and the oldest cut clear out. Fig. 20 represents the three 



Fisr. 20. 




separate canes in their respective 
stages. Here we have the fruit always 
borne on young and vigorous wood, 
which generally produces the finest 
fruit ; no spurring is required, and 
there is the advantage of a large bulk 
of leaves and branches, the former of 
which affords nourishment ; and pro- 
motes the maturity of the roots; but 
the tops require somewhat more side 
room, and the vines ought to be planted 
a little further apart than is necessary 
•where spurring is resorted to. Where 
a vine is allotted only a certain space, this is one of the 
best methods of training, but it is unsightly, and if the 
same advantages can be gained otherwise, and at the same 
time beauty in appearance, it is certainly desirable to in- 
sure both. Now the first described mode accomplishes 
this object in the grapery and also retains a larger amount 
of solid structure in the form of a strong permanent stem, 
through which can flow an ample supply of sap to the 
leares, and receive back the food, elaborated by them, 
down to the roots in a healthy way, and without any un- 
due excitement to the whole organization. 

But the best of all plans, and also the most natural is, 
to extend the head somewhat each season, so that finally, 
one vine may cover a large surface. Nature Avorks by 
certain fixed laws Avhich man cannot alter, and any long- 
continued attempt to force her to swerve from her own 
course, is sure to end in final failure and disappointment. 
It cannot be denied, that much success is obtained by 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. 12-5 

modes of cultivation which would appear to speak to the 
contrary, but observe the ultimate results patiently, with 
care and without prejudice, and all these abuses will tell 
their own woful tale. 

One of the causes why the grape vine so soon wears 
out, as it is generally considered to do, is produced by 
such close pruning as we yearly subject it to — the volume 
of the plants is increased for three or four years at first, 
and afterwards only allowed the same extent of surface. 
There is no other fruit-bearing plant that would continue 
to prosper long with this treatment ; take for example a 
peach or an apple, allow either the one or the other to 
produce a long straight stem of twelve or fifteen feet, and 
cut in the side branches to an eye, never suffering it any 
further extension but what is produced in the summer — 
again to be cut out — and it would, after a few years' constant 
excitement, dwindle down to a mere stump, and finally die 
out. If the grape-vine does not show the same so readily, 
it is only because of its extremely tenacious constitutional 
powers, for the same law governs both, and both alike 
must sooner or later arrive at the same imbecile condition. 

x\s a vine, if extended over a great space, would only 
admit of a limited number being grown, it becomes neces- 
sary to explain how this may be accomplished ; and like- 
wise how, during the interval, the usual crop may be 
secured. In planting, place in the centre of the intended 
row a vine of known good qualities; at intervals of about 
twelve feet plant others of equal merit, and fill up the 
vacancies v/ith sorts as fancy may dictate, so that each 
one may stand about three feet apart from the next. 
During the first two seasons train all up as usual ; so far 
we have elongated the surface upwards, and the canes 
will be near the top of the house. In pruning the second 
fall, as there are side spurs on the lower half of the canes 



12i 



THE GKAPE. 



in the house, or on the whole length in the vineyard, cut 
these in to about three eyes. Bear each other vine the 
next year as heavy as it is thought advisable, so as to 
secure the fruit ripening and coloring well ; ease the otliers 
in like proportion, which will give vigor and assist them 
afterwards. AVhen the fruit is cut on those vines which 
have borne the heaviest crop take them Out, and when 
pruning the others leave the side branches about a foot 
long, which will fill up the vacant spaces. Next year 
train these branches horizontally, and in the fall following, 
spur them as advised above, Avith the upright cane, and at 
the same time leave another length on the end of each. 
As these side branches continue to be lengthened and fill 
up more space, bear those vines on each side of them some- 
what heavier, and afterwards take them out. In the course 
of a few years each vine will appear as seen in Fig. 21. 

Fiff. 21. 




By this system it will readily'be seen that few varieties 
can be grown in a limited space, but quality always gives 
the most permanent satisfaction, and where variety is 
required it may be had in the first instance and quality 
secured afterwards, if care is taken in planting good -sorts 
in the right places at the commencement. 

It may be thought by some persons that so few vines 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. 125 

are not able to carry a full crop in a given space; never 
fear that, for if there is sufiicient surface of well-ripened 
wood, the roots in good order, and the expansion judiciously 
accumulated, the quantity of fruit may he gradually in- 
creased until a ton weight may be taken from off a single 
vine, and that without injury, as is proved by some which 
are now in existence, and are knoAvn to be over two hun- 
dred years old, among which may be mentioned the large 
Hamburgh at Hampton Court, near London, that has 
frequently borne the above w^eight in a season. Show 
me an instance w4iere the same longevity and continued 
frnitfulness has been gained by the ordinary walking 
stick confining to one cane or short-cut method, and then 
I will believe that nature can alter her course, and that 
man's simple ideas can control the wonderful action of his 
Creator's intelligence. 

That judicious shortening in at the right season, and under 
proper circumstances, is beneficial has been clearly demon- 
strated ; we know that it tends to give vigorous and 
healthy growth; both theory and practice tell us so. Ey 
it we gain a stronger propelling power from the roots, 
without reducing their volume, or enfeebling their energy. 
But to cut annually^ so free growing a -plant as the grape- 
vine to a mere slumj), is, to say the least of it, a barharous 
mutilation of God s providence, and is sure to end in prema- 
ture weakness, sapjry and papery leaves, spindling ill-ripen- 
ed wood, and barrenness. By this method, last described, 
the roots have ample space to luxuriate in ; one vine would 
eventually occupy and fill a whole border, w^hicli usually 
has to accommodate a great number, and as the head has 
a corresponding expansion, according to the requirements 
of the subject, a greater certainty of permanence and 
future vitality is gained. As a matter of profit it is the 
most beneficial, for there is surely more lasting gain Avhere 



126 THE GRAPK. 

a house or even a vineyard will continue to yield a good 
crop for two or three generations, than when the planting, 
making fresh borders, &c., has to be rencAved every ten, 
or at most fifteen years. 

In making these remarks we would not wish to be 
severe, for there are many persons so situated by pe- 
culiar circumstances as to prevent them from carrying 
out the most natural or best methods of culture, even 
though they may be aware of the error of their present 
practice, yet there are others who have popular and prac- 
tical prejudices to overcome, before they will be enabled 
to see the desirableness of asking themselves a few 
physiological questions, or take the trouble to find the 
answers in nature's voluminous folios. May we hope that 
these set notions and dogmas may speedily vanish, from 
this free country at least, where the mutual and physical 
industry of man is unfettered, and where we may become 
a pattern to the world, in good culture, if not in artificial 
grandeur. 

We cannot let the present part of the subject pass by 
without a few remarks on summer pruning, and as it may 
be thought that this is merely a repetition of former words, 
we plead the importance of the matter for the introduc- 
tion. It has often been advised, and that, too, by some of 
the best cultivators, to stop the bearing shoots at an eye, 
or in some instances two eyes above the bunch, and like- 
wise to do the same with the young cane when it has 
elongated to the top of the rafter, or the upright support ; 
also to pinch out all laterals as they are produced, thereby 
making the operation into a rule. There is no doubt that 
many conscientiously believe such a system to be judi- 
cious, and because their crops are satisfactory to themselves, 
they continue on the same practice without further con- 
sideration ; but this does not close up the avenue for free 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. 127 

discussion, neither does it prove that it is the ultimatum 
of perfection. If we pursue the investigation of this mat- 
ter in a physiological manner, we are led to understand 
that all summer pruning tends to lessen the vigor, and 
cripple the energy of all plants ; and practical experience, 
combined with observation, proves the fact. Arguing 
from this point, Ave may be accused of advocating no sum- 
mer pruning at all, to which we say, " not guilty." If 
the greatest extension of branches and corresponding 
roots, or bulk of timber were the object, then the less 
pruning the better, but the present position is a consider- 
ation of circumstances and adaptability, independent, to a 
certain extent, of nature's action ; the object being to 
coax her to accommodate herself to our conveniences ; and 
as the grape vine is one of the most easily trained of her 
family, Ave have, in this case, a partial control. We ought 
then, to consider Avhat we are doing, and how far we are 
acting in unison with Avhat are known to be established 
laws, and to infringe too far upon these is sure to produce 
evil. This or that man's dogmatical opinion must cer- 
tainly fail unless it be ba^ed upon this indisputable cer- 
tainty, — where is the use of following this-should-be, 
or that ought-to-be, unless someAvhat in accordance with 
these natural demands. Yet avc find a prolific and luxu- 
riant plant, such as the grape-A^ine is, stubbed in, cut 
close, and sheared like a coua ict, — Ave Avere near saying 
shaved too, for the pinching back to one eye aboA^e the 
fruit is nearly tantamount to that close operation. The 
reason giA'en for this peculiar treatment is, that the fruit, 
and also the plant, is strengthened by it. Hoav Avould it 
strengthen one's toes by cutting off a finger, supposing 
another would grow in its place ; or Avould an animal pro- 
duce the finer offspring if the body Avere to be mutilated? 
It is just possible that an amount of gangrene would be 



128 THE GRAPE. 

the consequence; but as to truly healthful action, it is 
possible that we should be none the gainers. Perhaps 
this kind of analogy may be thought a very vulgar way 
of explaining what might be shown in more delicate 
words; but if coarse, the true meaning is purposely exhi- 
bited, to show up the ridiculousness of curtailing nature. 
As stated above, the subject is a matter of circumstances, 
we have to do with a family of plants that would occupy 
a great volume of surface, yet we wish to have a large 
number, comparatively speaking, in a small space, and the 
best we can do is, not to weaken down natural energy 
more than there is occasion for. Pruning, properly per- 
formed, and in the right season, is certainly of great ser- 
vice ; we find it so practically, its good effects are every- 
where to be seen when it is adopted ; but so far and 
no further is it advisable. If proof be required of the 
injury that may be done by too close stopping, let any 
one try the experiment of pinching in closely the side 
shoots of a pai-t of his vines, and leave the others several 
joints longer, and he will find at the end of the growing 
season that those which were left the longest are better 
ripened than the shorter ones, providing the light has had 
equal influence on both. If the vines are no further 
apart than three feet, the distance will allow a shoot on 
each side of fifteen to eighteen inches, upon which there 
may be from seven to eight leaves ; and allowing the 
fruit to be on the second or third joint, there will still 
remain four or five leaves above it, each of which will do 
its duty in elaborating the crude juices, and assimilating 
the carbonic acid absorbed, thereby adding to the bulk 
and solidity of the whole structure ; and if so, increasing 
the amount and greater firmness of the roots ; for, accord- 
ing to the amount and action of the foliage under favora- 
ble influences, so are the underground extremities encour- 



PRUNING AND TRAINING. 129 

aged. As stated elsewhere, the grape vine is a plant of 
great longevity ; notwithstanding which, with the prac- 
tice of some vignercns, it is considered to be worn out in 
a few years, and fresh plantations have to be made period- 
ically. This may in vineyard culture answer the particu- 
lar purposes of the cultivator, and by the method of only 
allowing a few feet of bearing surface to each individual, 
a great amount of fruit, and suitable quality for his pur- 
pose, may be obtained from a limited extent of land em- 
ployed. Here is evidence that too much curtailing of 
the plant's natural disposition shortens life, and weakens 
down the constitution to such an extent as to make it 
worthless, comparatively speaking, in a very short time. 
Considering that there is not a very great expense in 
replanting a vineyard, the means may be said to justify 
the end, but when we come to the outlay incurred in 
erecting glass houses, preparing borders, &c., it behooves 
us to think well how we can pay back a permanent inte- 
rest on the capital invested, and if there be any method 
that will keep a house of vines in healthy bearing for a 
long time without the requirement of renev/al, surely it 
must be wisdom to adopt it. If the grape vine is a long 
liver when allowed to extend, and soon worn out if kept 
in small compass, is it not reasonable, if we wish perma- 
nency, that all the available space that we have in the 
superficial area of a house should be covered with healthy 
leaves, in order the better to concentrate and store up the 
food for future development, and add each year a fresh 
layer of well organized alburnum to the previously exist- 
ing sound vascular tissue ? If we take further into account 
the glutted preparations that are often compounded for 
vinery borders, and the consequently immense encourage- 
ment given to luxuriant growth, it really appears surpris- 
ing that such close cutting in as is generally practised 



130 THE GRAPE. 

does not either kill, or cause disease in less time than is 
the case, and it is just possible that the present ravages of 
mildew in Europe have been accelerated by this cause. 
Such are the writer's ideas upon the subject, and as the 
present object is to enlighten the learner, they are submit- 
ted to approval or censure, as each practical and suc- 
cessful cultivator may think fit, with the conscientious 
belief that such is more becoming the present age of pro- 
gress, and if followed up would be the means of prolong- 
ing the healthfulness and fruitfulness of the grape-vine. 



CHAPTER XII. 

PROPAGATION AND THE RAISING OF 
NEW KINDS. 

The grape-vine may be propagated from Eyes, Out- 
tings, Layers, Seed, and by Grafting, 

Eyes. — An Eye is a short portion of a branch having 
only one bud, Fig. 22. This method is most commonly 
made use of for increasing the exotic varieties, and is 
equally applicable to the natives; it is the best for all 
purposes, where there is the convenience of a glass frame 
or hot-house. The process is as follows : Fig. 22. 

Any time from the beginning of Febru- 
ary to the last of March take well- 
ripened yearling branches, and cut into 
as many pieces as there are buds, so 
that one remain to each portion ; reduce the wood above 
and below, by a slanting cut, diverging from the bud on 
both ends ; have in readiness as many pots, propagating 
pans, or shallov>^ boxes with holes in the bottom, as may 
be needed, throw in an inch or two of small lumps of 
charcoal or broken crocks ; over this, place a layer of 
moss, and fill up wdth soil, of loose but moderately fertile 
texture ; make it somewhat solid, and press the prepared 
buds into it, an inch apart, so that the tops be level with 
the surface; place them in a gentle hot-bed, or a house 
where a night temperature of o5° to 60^^ is maintained; 
keep the earth moist, but not too wet, as the young shoots 
vt'hen they begin to protrude are liable to be injured by 

(181) 




13*2 THE GRAPE. 

dampness. For the same reason, if a hot-bed be used, 
great care shouhl be taken tliat there is no accumulation 
of rank steam, or condensed moisture. In five or six - 
Aveeks they will have elongated an inch or two above the 
soil, when they may be potted off singly into half-pint 
pots, and still retained in the same or a similar situation. 
When they have grown some five or six inches more, these 
pots will be filled with roots, and the plants may be trans- 
ferred into those of quart size, which will be sufficient for 
the season, if only stocky plants for future planting be 
required, but when the intention is to make strong plants 
for fruiting next year in pots, it will be requisite to re- 
move from time to time, according as they progress, into 
gallons and two gallons. The shoots will also need to be 
tied to stakes as they continue to grow. If healthy stock 
is wanted it will be necessary to place the plants, during 
the summer, in the same growing temperature as is recom- 
mended for fruiting vines, and by care and encouragement 
these young canes may be extended to twelve or fifteen 
feet long ; it is however desirable that the tops should be 
nipped out at the height of about six feet, which will pre- 
vent crowding, and allow the light to act more freely on 
the lower leaves, which in their turn mature the buds on 
each axil. As stated above, this strong growth is not neces- 
sary, unless for pot culture ; for a small well-ripened vine, 
with plenty of healthy roots, is quite as good for perma- 
nent planting, and with after good management will make 
headway equal to a stronger one. 

- Cuttings . — A cutting as generally understood is a length 
of the last season's cane containing several buds. Fig. 23. 
To propagate by this plan proceed as follows : So soon as 
the ground is in good working order after the breaking up 
of winter, dig, and break up well with the spade, a sufficient 
plot for the quantity intended ; string a line across one 



PROPAGATION AXD KAISTNG. 



133 



end, cut a trencli about six inclies deep, prepare the cut- 
tings as shown above, and place each six inches apart 
against the bank so formed ; leave one or two eyes ^^^ 23. 
above ground, press tlie soil tight to them, and 
afterwards level with the spade ; eighteen inches 
from this row open another trench, and so proceed 
until all is done. If the season should prove dry- 
before the roots have got sufficient hold, it is ad- 
visable to use water ; and if such be required do 
not dribble, but give enough to soak down, that the 
earth may be moistened below. One application in 
this way will do more good than a dozen sprink- ik 
lings, which only bake the ground on the surface, 
without any benefit. This method is the most economical, 
and all things considered, it is the best for the hardy 
kinds, for which alone it is suitable. 

Another mode of increase by cuttings, technically 
termed coiling is to take a length of cane, say from three 
to four feet fong, and coil the lower part around on the 
inside of a large pot, which is afterwards filled up with 
earth (such as is recommended for 
fruiting in pot culture), leaving a few 
eyes above the top. Fig. 24. This is 
of service only when strong and vigor- 
ous plants are wanted in the least pos- 
sible time for pot culture, and when 
there are any long prunings to spare, 
it is the best method that can be 
adopted, but it is only in such cases 
that it is of any use. 

Layer's are branches of the plant 
bent down, a part of each being covered with earth while 
the base remains attached. Fig. 25. These layers throw 
out roots and may be afterwards cut off from the mother 




134 



THE GRAPE. 



plant. The most common process is to merely cover with 
Boil, leaving the ends protruding, any time from the fall 
of the leaf until the rise of the sap, but as there is a 
** best" in all things, so in this, and we may as well show 
it. Early in the summer, when the young growth has 

Fig. 25. 




attained to the length of six or eight inches, bring down 
the branch intended to be laid, cover the whole length to 
the depth of three inches, and peg it down, leaving the 
tops that were the previous laterals above the soil ; during 
the summer roots will be emitted at every joint, and of 
course there will be as many plants as there are shoots. 
The same operation may be performed any time up to the 
middle of July, but if sooner done, a better stock of good 
and well-rooted plants will be the result. It sometimes so 
happens, that an increase is wanted from some favorite or 
new variety that may be in bearing and 
trained in the grapery, without having 
to wait so long as the more ordinary 
methods require. In such case, one or 
more of the side branches may be drawn 
through the bottom of a flower-pot, the 
hole of v/hich has been made large for 
the purpose, or the pot m.ay be divided 
into halves and again fixed together by 
a copper wire; at the same time a sharp 
knife should be passed round the stem 



Fig. 26. 




PROPAGATION AND RAISING. 135 

inside so as to sever the bark, but no deeper, which will 
facilitate the emission of roots : the pot may be then filled 
up with earth, and suspended in a very convenient posi- 
tion, and if kept moist will soon be filled with roots ; after 
which it may be cut away and treated as other stock. 
Fig. 26 is an example of this kind of layering. 

Grafting can be only considered as just coming within 
the scope of propagation, the object being not so much to 
increase the number of plants, as the changing or one 
kind on to the root or stock of another. It is generally 
adopted to obtain a superior or more favorite variety than 
the one that is occupying some particular spot, and has 
been recommended as capable of increasing the hardi- 
ness of the future plant, providing that the stock is of 
that nature ; the theory being, that a hardy sort imparts 
a portion of its character to the new parts. There is 
no doubt some advantage gained by the process, but 
it must not be put down for certain that a native root 
will so far alter the constitution of the exotic as to 
make it prosper out of doors under all circumstances, 
and in all situations where the former would thrive, all 
that will or can be gained is the greater hardihood of the 
roots, which may in some cases give a more steady or un- 
interrupted flow to the branches, and consequently a better 
chance of resisting that bane to the exotic grape-vine, the 
excessive climatic changes. It is a method that is of no 
service excepting for the above reasons, as young and 
healthy plants will answer a better purpose generally. 

As the grape-vine is subject to "bleed," if cut early in 
the season, and does not do so after the leaves are ex- 
panded, it is necessary to defer the operation until growth 
has somewhat progressed ; or, rather, it gives the greater 
certainty of success. And as the same heat that excites 
the stock into activity will also start the intended scions 



136 THE GRAPE. 

it is requisite to keep tlie latter in a cool but damp place 
Where there is an ice-house, they may be laid on the 
inside upon the covering, or, in want of that convenience* 
they should be buried beneath the soil, in as cool a place 
as can be found. There is no occasion to enter into a sci- 
entific disquisition on grafting, or to explain the various 
methods of doing it; our object is gained in this case, if 
the best be illustrated. Cleft grafting is, perhaps, the most 
suitable, while it is also the most -simple, and is as follows : 
When the shoots have grown som.e eight or ten inches, cut 
off the head close to the ground, smooth over the top, and 
with a knife or sharp chisel cleave down the stem about 
two inches, put in a wedge to keep it open for the time 
being, and cut the graft to fit, making a notch where it 
rests upon the stock, to keep it firm ; if two be fixed in 
the same way, only each on opposite sides, there will be 
a double chance of certainty, when, if both take, the 
weakest may be cut out. Care must be used in fixing the 
graft, that the bark unites with that of the stock, for on 
this nice point all success depends. Take out the wedge, 
and wrap around v»-ith soft woollen yarn, or bast-mat ; 
cover over the top of the stock, and to a little below the 
graft, with grafting- v/ax, or moistened clay ; afterwards 
heap over the whole a portion of soil, so as to form a small 
mound, leaving the top of the graft uncovered. Fig. 27 

shows (a) the scion, {b) the stock, 
and (c) both, after the operation. 

Another way, termed Side- Grq/l- 
ing (fig. 28), is to cut in a slant- 
ing direction, one-third through the 
stock, and prepare the graft to fit 
wedge-form into it, care being taken 
that the bark of both fits exactly on one side ; the tying, 




PROPAGATION AND RAISING. 



137 



Fig. 29. 



&c„ is the same as in the former case. This is somtimes 
useful when it is desirable to preserve the head, and jjg 28. 
perhaps the fruit on it, for the season; but the ^. 
newly-introduced part does not often get strong 
during the time, and, on the whole, there is no ad- 
vantage gained. 

Inarching is sometimes practised (fig. 29), which is 
simply the uniting of two branches that are each 
attached to neighboring plants. Where it is intended 
the union is to be made, the bark, and also a thin 
slice of the wood (in thickness according to the size 
of the intended new sort) must be cut away so that the 
bark on both sides will unite ; the two are then brouccht 
together, tied, &c., as in the former cases 
of grafting. There is no advantage in this 
plan, excepting that it may be performed 
any time during' the summer. It is, how- 
ever, best to do it immediately after the 
full expansion of the first leaves, which 
better insures a perfect adhesion. When 
it is thought that the union is complete, 
which ought to be in five or six weeks, 
the lower part of the introduced branch 
may be cut half through, and left so 
while attached to its own parent. In another week, or 
ten days, it may be entirely severed, and again left a sim- 
ilar length of time, when the head of the dishonored kind 
may be cut away, and the new one allowed to take its 
place. Without these latter precautions, there is great 
danger of failure, as the sap may not have begun to flow 
freely into the new parts. It should also be observed, 
that in all the examples, when it is seen that the ligatures 
begin to grip the bark, from the increase of growth, they 




138 TUE GRAPK. 

should be loosened a trifle, and in a week or two after- 
wards tliey may be removed entirely. 

Seed. — The preparation for seed, and the after manage- 
ment, may be exactly the same as for eyes ; so there is 
no occasion to give any directions on this head, farther 
than by stating that it should not be buried deeper than 
half an inch. If there is not the convenience of a hot-bed 
or hot-house, the hardy kinds may be sown in the begin- 
ning of April, in a cold frame, or, where there is no glass 
accommodation at all, they may be made, with care, to 
vegetate in the open ground, but not with the same cer- 
tainty. 

The Raising of New Kinds. — ^NeAv or different varieties 
of any plant are generally raised from seed ; in fact, it 
may be said that all permanent ones are so. It occasion- 
ally, thougli very rarely, so happens, that a plant will pro- 
duce a sport in some particular branch, which, if budded 
or grafted on to other stocks of the same genus, will con- 
tinue to produce the like from which they were taken. 
The Tottenham Park Muscat Grape, and Fern-leaved 
Beech, are examples of this kind ; but such sports are not 
always to be depended on, as they are apt to again pro- 
duce offshoots like the original parent ; consequently we 
cannot say that they are really permanent, although the 
return backwards only occasionally occurs ; still it is pos- 
sible, and sometimes is the case. 

In varieties raised from seed we very rarely find a change, 
either in the original plant, or any buds or branches Avliich 
may be taken from it or from them in after years. Not- 
withstanding which, there are some species so prone to 
sport from the seed, that no two will be alike, or exactly 
similar to the parent from which they were obtained, and 
the grape-vine is among this class. Without stopping to 
discuss the question of what is a species, it may be stated 



PROPAGATION AND RAISING. 1^39 

that, when once the apparent fixedness of natural distinct- 
ive characters is broken, either by accidental or purposed 
hybridization, there is no end to the variety that may be 
produced. So prolific has this variation been in the exotic 
kinds, that some European catalogues enumerate several 
hundred sorts ; and although many of these are merely 
duplicates of others, there are still left enough to prove 
the case. In our country the same is being verified by 
the many new kinds which are at present being intro- 
duced to public notice, and as the community become 
more awake to the improvement that may be made, we 
shall have a long array of names, containing in the aggre- 
gate all sorts, from fine and good, down to middling and 
bad ; and, in connection with this, we may look forward to 
a far superior quality to any we now possess ; for there is 
nothing to prevent a progressive movement, or ultimately 
attaining to the same perfection Avhich the exotics at 
present possess, with the additional property of a hardy 
constitution, that will prosper in the open air, without the 
great drawback of mildew, to which the foreign kinds are 
so subject, and which consequently renders them worth- 
less for out-door culture, with very few exceptions. So 
important is this matter as a national profit, that the sub- 
ject cannot be forwarded or discussed too much. Our 
own vineyards are now supplying a great part of the home 
demand ; and if the present grape-blight of Europe con- 
tinues much longer, the making of wine, and the cultiva- 
tion of the grape, will be so much curtailed there, that it 
is not unlikely we may become a large exporting nation 
in this commodity. Taking this view of the subject, all 
those who may be attempting to improve this valuable 
boon may be considered as public benefactors, and we in- 
troduce what experience we possess for the guidance of 
those who have not investigated the subject. 



140 THE GRAPE. 

Physiological theory teaches, and practical experience 
proves to us, that the progeny of a plant, the floAvers of 
which have been fertilized by another, is more likely to 
retain the constitution and habit of the maternal side, 
while any peculiarities as to flower and fruits of the father 
are introduced into the same body : consequently, the 
native kind should be fertilized by the pollen of the exotic, 
when a hardy vine would most probably be the product, 
with an approach to the fruit of the foreign sort. So de- 
cided is this fact, that the operator may predict tolerably 
closely what the result will be ; and it is as sure as a 
demonstrated fact, thrtt we can produce, by care and per- 
severance, by this course, a tribe of grapes suitable for 
every purpose of the vigne?-on, and also satisfactory to the 
palate of the most fastidious epicure. 

For producing a fine table grajDC, perhaps no better 
varieties can be chosen than Isabella, or Concord, fertilized 
with Black Hamburgh, for a black ; and Diana, crossed 
with Chasselas Fontainebleau, for a light-colored class. 
For this purpose, it is not advisable to make use of the 
Frontignans, or Muscats, for the natives have already too 
much of the musky fiaA^or, and by introducing the sweet- 
ness of the Hamburgh and Chasselas, we shall be most 
likely to produce a Muscat flavor, with the size or beauty 
of berry, and form of bunch of the two paternal kinds. 
Beside the production of a fine class of grapes for dessert, 
this is likely to lead to a quality most suitable for the 
sweeter and mild-tasted Avines ; but for those of rougher 
and fuller flavor, the probability is that the Frontignans 
would answer the purpose better. This is, however, only 
conjecture, and must be left to futurity for proof. To 
insure success, some care and attention is necessary ; more 
will be accomplished Avith these, from a dozen seedlings, 
than by a thousand Avithout it. The plants to be operated 



PROPAGATION AND RAISING. 141 

upon should be in robust health, neither having at any 
time shown symptoms of mildew, and the flowers of both 
selected from fine and well-formed bunches. The opera- 
tion of fertilizing is also a delicate one, and there is some 
difficulty in getting the two sorts to bloom at the same 
time ; for the exotic will, almost without exception, have 
to be under glass ; and the native, on account of producing 
hardiness, should be planted outside. A temporary glass 
frame to forward the latter would be of service, and the 
former might be retarded by excluding the light until the 
buds burst, and keeping the head down in a cold house. 
The most convenient and certain way is to treat one or 
more plants of the native kinds as advised for pot culture, 
and, when the plants are strong enough, to introduce them 
into a Cold Grapery early in the season, so as to have 
them in blossom as near as possible to the time of the 
others which are in the same apartment ; and if attention 
be paid to the applying of liquid manure, there will not 
need be any doubt of the fruit lacking nourishment. 
When the hardy sort begins to open its flowers, the sta- 
mens should be immediately cut out, and the stigma fer- 
tilized by the pollen from the anthers of the exotic; indeed 
it is necessary, if the greatest surety is intended, that the 
corolla (which fits like a little cap over the parts, and rolls 
up from the bottom, instead of, as in most flowers, expand- 
ing at the top) should be carefully removed before its 
natural liberation, for the anthers generally burst just pre- 
vious to being exposed ; and as they encircle the stigma, 
and are immediately over it, impregnation may have then 
taken place, which will most likely frustrate all hopes; for 
any hermaphrodite plant, providing all the sexual organs 
are perfect, will be more readily fertilized by its own than 
another's pollen. While the mother plant is in bloom, care 
must be taken to keep off insects. This may be done, by 



142 THE GRAPE. 

tying a fine net-work bag over the bunch, and, if there be 
a suitable place on the premises for its healthy action, the 
vine ought to be removed away from any other plant of 
the same family which may be in bloom at the same time, 
for the pollen is a very subtle substance, and a proximity 
to others might destroy all success. 



■*^. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

DISEASES. 

Mildew. — ^Nearly all attempts to cultivate tlie exotic 
grape-vine in the open air, in tlie United States, have 
ended in total failure and disappointment. In a few soli- 
tary instances, and under peculiar circumstances, where 
the excessive changes have been counteracted by shelter 
or otherwise, a partial success has been obtained, but the 
climate of the whole eastern and middle parts of the Union, 
is too variable for its easily checked, though vigorous 
constitution, and by which the vital energy is impaired at 
the time of greatest activity — when mildew in its various 
forms completes the works of destruction. This mildew 
is the growth of fungoid vegetation, the seeds of which 
are so small in many kinds as to be invisible to the naked 
eye. There are two kinds which are most troublesome to 
the grape-vine — one, which we presume to be the Oldium 
Tuckeri, that is at present devastating the vineyards of 
Europe ; and the other a Botrylis, or some analogous 
genus. The first indication of the former is shown by 
the leaves having brown spots upon them, and which 
permeate quite through the tissue. Afterwards, are seen 
small white patches of the soft and delicate fungus at- 
tached to the under side of the leaf, and which, if not 
speedily destroyed, will soon extend to the fruit stalks, 
penetrate to the berries by the rhizoma or spawn, and 
make them in appearance like a diseased potato in the 
first stage of infection, stopping their growth, and render- 

(143) 



144 THE GRAPE. 

ing them useless ; the leaves also will fall off after a short 
time, and the whole plant become seriously injured. 
These white patches are the fructification of the parasite; 
when viewed under the microscope, there is exhibited a 
multitudinous congregation of little mushroom-looking sub- 
stances, and if suddenly jerked, the finy sporules may be 
seen detached, and floating in the atmosphere, so minute 
and subtle, and in such countless numbers, that it is not 
unreasonable to suppose (beside the immediate develop- 
ment and rapid vegetation of thousands of them under 
favorable influences) many are absorbed by the stomata or 
breathing pores on the under surface of the leaves, and 
conveyed into the interior, simply by the descending 
movement of the elaborated sap, which is afterwards con- 
verted into woody-fibre, and in its turn becomes the 
organized medium by which the ascending sap, in the fol- 
lowing spring, flows with greater velocity to the unfolding 
leaves. The secreted sporules may then be re-conducted 
upwards, and conveyed onwards to the foilage, and there 
remain donaiant, until the favorable circumstances occur 
for their germination, when they spring into renewed life, 
and speedily produce another crop of seeds for a future 
generation. This kind of mildew seldom does any mis- 
chief after the growth approaches towards ripeness, or the 
fruit is in the last swell, and as it generally begins to 
appear about the early part of July, during damp and 
close weather, those plants which have been more or less 
forwarded by artificial heat are almost free from its attacks ; 
but in the Cold Grapery or Eetarding House we should be 
on our guard, and when storms or damp weather occurs, 
strew sulphur on the floor of the house, in the proportion 
of one pound to each fifteen or twenty square-yards, and 
withhold water for the time being, keeping the house quite 
close, if cloudy, and allowing the temperature to rise some- 



DISEASES. 145 

what higher for tv.o or three days. This will cause the 
sulphur to throw off fumes, which are readily perceptible 
to the smell, and will check the further progress of the 
past if present, or prevent its appearance if not so. "\Ye 
have used all the supposed remedies that we could collect 
a knowledge of, by way of experiment, without being 
able to discover anything more than temporary relief, 
while the fumes of sulphur, as above recommended, have 
never failed to immediately check, and if water be with- 
held during the continuance, to finally overcome it. There 
need be, no fear of sulphur doing harm to the foliage ; so 
long as igtiition dees lut take j^lace, it may he used with 
confidence. Herein lies the secret. If allowed to burn, 
chemical action goes on, and sulphurous acid is produced, 
which in its then gaseous form will speedily destroy all 
foliage with which it comes in contact. 

The other kind {Botrytis ?) appears like a fine and 
delicate hoary mouldiness, and vegetates along the young 
wood and tender growth of the stem, the leaf stalks, over 
the surface of the berries, and tipper side of the leaves ; 
enveloping and covering the parts so as to prevent the 
ftirther progress of the fruit, cause the leaves to fall, and 
the branches to cease growing. It is not, as in the 
previous example, confined to late crops, but will attack 
those started early also, and is often most prevalent when 
too dry and cold a temperature has been allowed, more 
particularly if a strong moist heat has been previously 
kept up ; cold drafts will increase the tendency — hence 
great caution is necessary in ventilating, or the producing 
of that atmospheric peculiarity which takes place when 
the moisture that is in solution in the atmosphere becomes 
condensed by a sudden transition to a lower temperature. 
Observation will show that those forms of fungus which at- 
tack peas, gooseberries, &c. — and the kind now spoken of is 
7 



140 THE GKAPE. 

similiar in structure, if not positively of tlie same genus — 
are most prevalent when a slow steady under current of 
dry air is passing in hot weather, which, Ly exciting to 
an extraordinary degree of evaporation, leaves a damp 
clamminess upon the surface of all plants by drawing out a 
portion of their collected juices, which then becomes food 
for the sporules to vegetate upon. This may be considered 
somewhat similar to the bottom draft in a hot-house — a 
very different thing, by the way, to a healthy and free 
ventilation overhead, where the air is made to circulate 
evenly over the whole cubic bulk, without that continual 
stream from small apertures below. In our present case, 
moisture combined with heat will counteract the fungus, 
and it may be effectually got rid of by syringing with 
water, in which a portion of sulphur is mixed; one pound 
of the latter will be enough for ten or fifteen gallons of the 
former. If the fruit be approaching to maturity, this kind 
of application will disfigure it, and the same purpose may 
be as effectually gained by dusting a small quantity on 
the heating apparatus where it will not ignite ; or if a cold 
house, by strewing it over the floor in the same quantity 
as before advised. 

The peculiar circumstances under which parasitical 
fungoids luxuriate, are wonderfully dependent on the state 
of the atmosphere. This is demonstrated, not only by the 
different sorts of grape mildew, but in all others. 

All plants indeed are not alike susceptible to these 
influences. The constitution of various plants may be able 
to withstand the effects of atmospheric changes without 
revulsion or excessive flow of the sap, and therefore they 
will not afford those precise requirements which favor the 
germination of the fungi. But as a general rule like causes 
produce like effects. 

It follows, then, if the above observations are correct. 



DISEASES. 147 

that the main preventive of mildew is to keep the plants 
in a steady and healthy action, not only by supplying a 
due proportion of food moisture and heat according to their 
constitutional requirements, but by preventing sudden 
changes in the atmosphere with which they are sur- 
rounded, and particularly avoiding cold drafts in the lower 
parts of the house. Heat accelerates the circulation, and 
if the whole bulk of the air is uniformly heated, the circu- 
lation will be equal in its action and distribution in every 
part of the plant. 

In our practice, bottom air is not admitted until the fruit 
begins to change color. Although the above remarks may 
not harmonize with the opinions of others, an extensive 
experience has convinced us of their correctness. 

We have then the whole matter in a " nutshell." 
During the time when the vines are growing freely, keep 
up a strong steady heat, avoid damp or cold drafts, and 
south and east winds during cloudy weather or storms ; 
keep the house closed in such cases. 

Be careful that the house is not suddenly heated up 
when the sun breaks out, afterward regulate the moisture 
according to the external atmosphere. Close early in the 
evening, and open early in the morning. Observe and 
remember that to counteract the eifects of sudden changes 
in the atmosphere is the great desideratum. The best of 
us may sometimes find our utmost skill tested, but a per- 
severance in the course here marked out with close 
attention will overcome all difficulties, and we will be 
amply repaid for all our trouble. 

Many think that when mildew makes its appearance 
sulphur is the only antidote, without anything further than 
merely dusting the affected parts, or strewing a portion 
over the floor. From our previous remarks it will be seen, 
that this will sometimes be sufficient, but it is not merely 



lri:8 THE GRAPE. 

the immediate contact, in all cases, that produces the 
remedial effect. The further spread of the Botrytis 1 
may be arrested on particular spots where the sulphur is 
applied, but it will not suffice for the Oldium, for we have 
seen it push through a thick coating after the application 
had been repeated for several days together, and we would 
more forcibly repeat that the fumes emanating from sul- 
phur exposed to a high temperature, are the only radical 
cure that we have yet discovered. 

There are several other sorts of fungi which are seen at 
times in the grapery, but which are not any further de- 
structive than by extending a mouldiness to the ripe fruit, 
or decaying leaves or branches, which may be prevented 
by circulating a free current of air through the house, or 
if that be not practicable, as sometimes happens with late 
crops or the Retarding House, by lighting a slow fire, and 
lifting the top ventilators. This will dry up the moisture, 
and be beneficial to the vines, by assisting them to ripen 
better. These last mentioned fungi may be considered as 
epiphytical, for they feed iipon a tendency to decay in the 
body upon which they vegetate ; while the first and dan- 
gerous kinds are strictly parasites, which germinate and 
progress upon the living substance, and destroy the or- 
ganization of all parts in their course. 

Shrivel and Shank. — These two terms may be considered 
as one disease, only in a more modified or virulent form. 
The difference being, that when a bunch of grapes is said 
to shank, the whole or a part of it dies off; while in shrivel, 
the footstalks of the berries, individually, are only at- 
tacked. The first stage is seen as brown spots on one 
side of the stem of the bunch, or the footstalk of the berry, 
and which, if not cut away, soon encircles the whole, the 
consequence being a certain stop to the circulation, and 
worthlessness to all parts below. From the earliest time, 



DISEASES. 149 

there has not been anything in grape culture that has ex- 
cited more discussion than this disease, and the most 
eminent and best cultivators have come to diametrically 
opposite conclusions, according as it has shown itself to 
their individual observation. In some houses this is the 
greatest bugbear that the grape grower has to encounter ; 
for after the anxiety of the season appears to be past, and 
he is looking with pleasing satisfaction on his success, his 
hopes are suddenly blighted by the instantaneous appear- 
ance of this pest. His crop is just arriving at maturity, 
the berries are fast coloring, well swelled up, and to all 
appearance safe, when upon close examination, they are 
found to have become flaccid, the footstalks of the berries 
or a part of the stems of the bunches are turned brown 
and withered, in consequence of which the fruit receives 
no more nourishment, the carbonizing action is arrested, 
and the affected berries remain intensely sour. One find- 
ing that his borders are not well drained, and the roots 
partly rotted, and seeing no other cause, comes, and with 
reason, to the conclusion that it is the effect of this, and 
in his honest belief heralds his opinion to the world ; an- 
other takes an opposite inference, for his borders are too 
dry ; a third discovers that his house is badly constructed 
as regards the means of ventilation, or that it is situated 
too low, producing a stagnant, or unwholesome damp at- 
mosphere ; a fourth states as positively that the keeping 
of the house closed too late in the morning, and the sun's 
rays striking directly upon the wet or damp footstalks 
produces the disease ; a fifth, that it arises from extremes 
of heat between the roots and the tops ; a sixth, that sud- 
den changes of temperature in the house are the cause, and 
in this way we might go on enumerating opinions respect- 
ing the nuisance. It is a common saying that, "when 
doctors disagree, who is to decide ;" a very sensible ques- 



150 THE GRAPE. 

tion, certainly, in this case. After careful study — now for 
the Last twenty-five years — we are led to believe, that 
anything which arrests, or interferes with the healthful 
action of the vine at this particular stage will he likely to 
produce this disease. If we argue from the analogy 
between the animal and vegetable kingdoms, we know 
that as immediately before parturition there is a very great 
stress u]3on the constitution, requiring all the strength 
with which the animal is endowed to carry through 
nature's action — so with plants. As proof of this, Avlien 
the fruit is taking its last swell, the size in many kinds 
increases one-third in a very short time, and in some 
instances with such rapidity that the tender skin is not 
strong enough to withstand the inward pressure, but 
bursts open. It is most likely that the change by chemical 
expansion has something to do with this, and if the plant 
is -not enabled to perform all its functions uninterruptedly, 
the stalks of the fruit, which are the conductors of the re- 
quired fluids, do not receive a full supply of the needful 
elements, but perish from the extraordinary demand that is 
made upon them for the time being, for w^e find them only 
affected in this particular manner at the period mentioned. 
If this argument be correct, it will be well, when there is 
a disposition toward the disease, for all grape-growers to 
ascertain where the deficiency is most likely to be, and 
remedy it accordingly, without any reference to dogmati- 
cal opinions. 

In the course of this work, an endeavor has been made 
to explain all the necessary appliances and conveniences 
required for successful grape culture, and as in our own 
practice we are very little troubled in this respect, the 
advice is given with some confidence, and a belief that if 
fully carried out the same results will accompany the 
operations of others. When the injury is done, the only 



DISEASES. 151 

alternative that remains is to ciTt away tlie parts injured, 
and remove tliem immediately from the house, and insure 
the prevention of any contamination to those which are 
liealthy. 

Dry Ixot in the Roots. The upper indications of this 
disease are flaccidity, and deficiency of solidity, accom- 
panied by a sickly yellowish color of the foliage, weak 
growth of the branches and paucity of fruit ; a prolonged 
increase of the malady will at length cause the vine to die, 
and that most commonly about the time when the berries 
are half grown. All this arises from the want of nourish- 
ment from the roots, which, if examined, will be found to 
be rotted, and often covered by a mouldiness or fungus. 
There is no doubt but the primitive cause of this affection 
is a check to constitutional vigor ; and extremely close 
summer pruning has much to do with it, as it prevents 
the plant from equalizing its expansive and centralizing 
powers, thereby keeping up a perpetual excitement through 
the vessels, which at last brings on an enfeebled condition. 
When a vine becomes aflected in this way the best plan 
is to take it out, renew the soil in the immediate vicinity, 
and afterwards plant another in the same place, for it is 
seldom that the diseased one does any more good. 

The roots sometimes become rotted from other causes, 
such as being too deep under the surface, or when the 
borders are very retentive of moisture, or composed of 
over-much undecomposed materials, &;c. For this there 
is a remedy if taken in time, and the best thing to be done 
is to thoroughly drain, if that only is the mischief, but if 
it be from the other sources mentioned, the roots will re- 
quire to be lifted, and the operation needs great care ; so 
soon as the leaves fall, proceed to uncover them; trace 
each one, and as they are respectively liberated lay them 
in a straight length until all are secured, after which they 



152 THR GHAPK. 

ought to be wrapped in a clamp mat or cloth, the border 
thoroughly trenched over, and a thin layer of good turfy 
loam put on the top, when the roots may be again spread 
over the surface ; all the decayed parts cut away with a 
sharp knife, and covered by four or five inches of the 
same kind of earth that was put under them. Care must 
be taken however before winter sets in, that a good layer 
of tree lejJves, or weak littery dung be spread over, to keep 
out the frost. There have been many examples, when 
this has been skilfully attended to, where a stock of vines 
have been entirely rejuvenated, that were previously 
worthless and thought to be worn out, but which have 
afterwards borne good crops of fine fruit for many years. 
It is necessary to give a partial shade in the early part of 
the following summer, or until the leaves get pretty well 
expanded, and it is better not to let them carry much, if 
any, fruit during the first year after the operation. Cloudy 
or damp weather is the best time for removing, and 
the roots should be as little time as possible out of the 
ground. 

Ret in the Fruit. — This has of late years caused con- 
siderable loss in the cultivation of vineyards. It generally 
shows itself at the time when the fruit begins to " stone," 
after continued wet weather, followed by bright sunsliine, 
when the berries become discolored and fall off. All the 
symptoms of this disease go to prove that it is the result 
of the plants imbibing too much moisture at the time when 
nature could better do with a reduction of it, for the grape- 
vine at this stage of growth would be considerably bene- 
fited if no rain were to fall during the after part of the 
season. Seeing this to be the case, we ought, so far as 
circumstances will allow, to try and remedy the evil by 
the choosing of a situation that is open and airy, but not 
exposed to the violence of storms — a free porous subsoil, 



DISEASES. 163 

or efficient drainage ; tliorough and deep trenching or sub- 
soil plowing, and not over-close planting, so that the air 
may pass freely between and among the plants, in order 
the better to drive off all superabundant atmospheric 
moisture, and also enable the plants to exhale the over- 
plus fluids with which, at such times, they are surcharged. 
For the same reason, where the vines are trained over 
arbors, or on trellises, the branches ought not to be too 
close, or the summer growth to become crowded. This 
object is not to be gained, however, by plucking off the 
leaves as some persons very ignorantly do, but by atten- 
tive disbudding of all those shoots that will not be actually 
wanted, in the early part of the season, or so soon as it 
can be plainly seen which branches will produce the finest 
fruit, and by laying them in, at pruning time, sufficiently 
distant — eighteen inches is near enough. In the grapery 
we are not much troubled by this nuisance, except in 
damp, ill-ventilated, or badly-glazed houses, which is an- 
other proof that the cause is an excess of moisture, for it 
is a common practice, when the fruit begins to color, to 
use very little or no water in any form, consequently at 
the critical period the -grapes are in a drier atmosphere 
and the absorbing foliage is prevented from inhaling any 
more moisture than is necessary to suppport health. 
Where the vines are planted and the fruit is found to be 
subject to the affection, it will be well to drain deeply 
between the rows in the fall, and when the ground is 
forked over to apply a good dressing of fresh powdered 
lime ; indeed a very confident opinion will not be much 
liazarded by stating, that a well drained calcareous soil, in 
an airy but not exposed situation, would be sure to give 
grapes nearly, if not quite free from rot. 

Sjpot. — The spot, although by some pe'rsons confounded 
with the preceding disease, is certainly a different thing ; 



154 THE GRAPE. 

it is not so injurious, as the berries only become marked 
by a black spot on the surface, fbut \yhich penetrates 
through the skin), and remains on the vine to ripen ; the 
quality, however, is considerably deteriorated, for it con- 
tinues to be a " spot" to the last, and gives a bitter taste 
to the flavor, not only for table use, but also to the wine 
Avhich may be made from the affected fruit. After some 
years of careful watching for the cause of this, we are led 
to the conclusion that it is produced by the direct striking 
of the heat of a midsummer sun immediately upon the 
berries, after heavy rain, the individual drops of which 
fall with great force, and knock clear off a spot of the 
"bloom" or farina that the berries are covered with, and 
which, no doubt, is a protection against its intensity, 
thereby leaving the tender cuticle exposed, and subject to 
be more readily acted upon, just the same as the concen- 
trated focus of a burning glass, on a previously covered 
and delicate skin would be, if it were to be acted upon in 
the same way. With this paralizing action upon the par- 
ticular parts, they are more easily attacked by a fungus, 
which, when once it becomes established, will progress so 
long as the same weather continues, and hence is ex- 
plained how the disease increases with a similarity of cir- 
cumstances, and likewise the cause of its cessation. 

There are several trifling matters connected with the 
subject, which may not be considered as disease, that may 
be traced to some of the causes previously mentioned, 
but which if carefully observed may be remedied in time, 
without permanent injury ; and in connection with this it 
may be mentioned, that although it has been recommended 
to keep up a moist atmosphere with repeated syringing, it 
is by no means to be inferred that it is intended to water 
overhead in the middle of the day, or yet in the morning 
unless very early. In such a climate of " grey sunlight" 



DISEASES. 155 

as that of England, there will not be mucli harm done by 
such a practice; but with our " bright and sunny skies," 
the same practice will lead to scald and to brown spots on 
the tender bark and under side of the young leaves, 
thereby interrupting, to a certain extent, the luxuriant 
and free development, and sometimes will entirely check 
the elong-ation of the branches, which causes a revulsion 
of the sap, and, of course, injury to the whole body. 



/ 



CHAPTER XIV. 
INSECTS, AND HOW^ TO DESTROY THEM. 

Where the treatment described in the foregoing pages 
has been adhered to, there will be little trouble with in- 
sects in the late grapery, but in early forced houses, with 
the most careful watchfulness, they sometimes make their 
appearance during the middle and after part of summer ; 
also in the vineyard and all out-door culture of the grape, 
either one kind or other will, at times, commit great rav- 
ages, or do much mischief if they be not speedily de- 
stroyed ; and " prevention is better than cure," was never 
more apropos than in this case, for if a plant of any kind 
is suffered to remain infested with these pests, you may 
bid good-bye to health or productiveness. Therefore be 
on the look out, and when the enemy shows his advance 
guard, rest assured that if not speedily routed, a numer- 
ous army will follow. Attack his outposts, carry war 
into his centre, destroy his flank and rear, and completely 
annihilate him, or you will find that he Avill continue to 
give annoyance. Give him no quarter, for he keeps no 
truce, and so long as he has one helpmate of the opposite 
sex, he will persevere in bringing up his myriads of off- 
spring, which are soon ready for active operation and 
renewed destruction. 

The insects which attack our present subject, are red 
spider (acarus,) several species of ccccus, as brown tur- 
tle, and white scaly bug, mealy bug, brown and white 
(156) 



IXSECTS. 157 

tortoise-shell scale, black and green fly, (aphis,) thrips, 
fretters [cycadcB,) three or four kmds of beetles, as the 
rose bug, cockchafer, &c., and occasionally the caterpil- 
lars of some moths. 

The red spider is a very small, dark red insect, almost 
invisible to the naked eye, which locates on the under 
side of the leaves ; it delights in a dry, hot atmosphere, 
and if left long unmolested, will spread over the whole 
house, spinning a delicate network, among which it 
travels with the greatest facility, feeding upon, poisoning, 
and disfiguring the plant. It may be destroyed by syring- 
ing and a damp air, and can be completely eradicated 
by the use of sulphur, used as advised for mildew. Indeed 
it is doubtful if it will exist at all if sulphur be exposed 
occasionally to a high temperature, without heijig ignited. 
The writer applies it at times in his plant houses, and is 
never troubled with either red spider or mildew ; even 
among roses when forcing in the winter, and the only 
trouble is, to sprinkle a small quantity over the hot Avater 
pipes, or coolest end of the flues, three or four times during 
the season. If proper use be made of the ' syringe, the 
sulphur will not always be required, but when applied it 
answers the double purpose of preventing the spread of 
both red spider and mildew. 

The different species of scaly and inealy hugs may be 
destroyed by the preparation recommended for the vines 
as the wash to be used in the fall, page Q)D. The scales 
generally adhere to the bark, and the brown ones are 
often so near the color of it as to require a close look to 
see them ; here they stick, sucking the juices, and ejecting 
their sugary excrescence, which spreads over the leaves, 
and stops up the breathing pores. The mealy hug is to be 
found in the crevices between the bark, in the joints, and 
among the bunches, in the form of little cottony-looking 



168 THE GRAPE. 

substances, in wlilcli case it should be taken out with a 
small brush or pointed stick, for if left in its lurking 
places, the bunches among which it is located will be 
disfigured and too dirty for use. The tortolsc-shcll scale is 
more solitary in habits, and in appearance like a small tor- 
toise-shell ; it is to be found in the same places as the 
brown scale, lives upon the juices of the vine, and can be 
destroyed by the same means. Ap/iidae, or green and 
black fly, are small insects, sluggish in movement, having 
prominent antennae, a large abdomen, and a long probos- 
cis, with wliich they pierce the cuticle of the tender shoots, 
and draw out the sap, which quickly brings decrepitude 
into the advancing extremities. They are viviparous and 
gregarious, and increase amazingly fast. 

Thrips are small, active, linear-shaped little insects, 
which congregate on and run over the under surface of 
the leaves, disfiguring them, and eating the epidermis or 
outer covering; Siud the J'retters (a species of cycado') move 
by short flights, or rather jumps when disturbed ; they 
are somewhat linear and triangular in form, small, and of 
a palish yellow color, and like the last they feed on the 
outer covering of the leaves. All the last three varieties 
can be destroyed by fumigating with tobacco, but care 
should be used in the operation, so as not to apply too 
much while the leaves arc young and tender, for in that 
state they are soon injured. 

The rose, hug is a lightish brown little beetle, with a 
small head, and long proboscis. In some parts of the 
country it is very destructive to hardy grape-vines, before 
and about the time of blossoming. It congregates through 
the day-time often in great numbers, and eats the tender 
flower stems, thus destroying all future prospects for 
the season. The most effectual way of keeping this trou- 
blesom.e customer in check, is by hand-picking, at inter- 



INSECTS. 159 

vals through the clay, more particularly early in the moru- 
ing, for although it may be caught at any time when at 
rest upon a plant, it is more sluggish before the heat of the 
day commences. Being only the visitor of a period, annu- 
ally, a careful watching for three or four weeks is requi- 
site at this time, after which it disappears, and is no more 
trouble. The cockchafer heetles are larger, more oval in 
form than the foregoing, and of several colors; they attack 
the leaves and young shoots through the season, but are 
not so destructive. The same process (hand-picking) will 
have to be resorted to for their destruction. There are 
also several kinds of the larvae of humming bird moths 
that occasionally feed upon the young stems, and edges of 
the leaves, and which, being so near the color of the parts 
they feed upon, and cylindrical in form, are somewhat dif- 
ficult to find ; consequently when it is seen that injury is 
bemg done, a sharp look-out ought to be practised, and a 
quick eye will soon get accustomed to the detection of 
these, and any other kind of caterpillars that occasionally 
may be annoying. And here we may state that the best 
advice which can be given in this matter in a general way 
is, to remember the old saying, that a " stitch in time 
saves nine ;" and if we do not wish to cultivate our de- 
structive propensities, by having to destroy an immensity 
in number of God's links in creation, we ought to have a 
benevolent feehng, and recollect that the earliest and first 
onslaught upon the precocious subject will render un- 
necessary the putting to death of countless myriads after- 
ward, each of which, in the true sense of reason, has as 
good a right to live as ourselves. 

With regard to the grapery under glass, if the insect 
world is " legion," and the generations quick in succession, 
they are easily kept down, and nothing but gross negli- 
gence or ignorance will permit them to get ahead. Use 



If^O THE GRAPE. 

water freely during the earlier periods of growth, drive it 
into all crevices of the house, and judiciously over the 
vines, and you may generally defy all the host of them. 
If after the fruit begins to ripen they should make an 
attack, the sulphur and tobacco may be applied as recom- 
mended, when their comparatively small numbers will be 
speedily put to the rout. 



CHAPTER XV. 

THE VINEYARD, AND OUT-DOOR 
CULTURE. 

So far, the grape-vine lias been treated of in a general 
way, as regards the natural disposition of the various kinds 
in cultivation. The practical details also are more par- 
ticularly explained for the treatment of the exotics, but 
to make a clean breast of our present business, there is 
required some more notice of the natives, and out-door 
culture. If we could be satisfied with a stand-still position 
the thing might remain as it is, for almost everybody who 
has a yard of land thinks of a grape-vine; and yet a 
greater number know how to grow grapes, if we are to 
believe the many metaphysical conversations that often 
take place. The fact is, that all the species and varieties 
will more or less prosper with almost any kind of treat- 
ment, providing they be in a suitable climate ; but this 
does not argue against the best cultivation, and there is 
little fear of contradiction when the statement is made that 
skill and care will be as amply repaid with any or all of 
the kinds. It matters not whether for wine or table use, 
this still holds good, and the only difference is in what is 
required. If, for instance, the produce be intended for 
wine, it will be necessary to combine, as much as possible, 
those peculiar characteristics which the best samples are 
found to possess, and in such case it is not advisable to in- 
troduce too much stimulating matter to the roots, but let 
nature have her way, with help directed towards her own 



162 THE GRAPE. 

course, and still further to make use of those varieties that 
contain within their original structure more than usual of 
those ingredients which are suitable for the purpose. Now 
generally, with due maturity, there is enough of the car- 
bonaceous property, that can, by the plant's own action, 
be converted into sugar, and of course by proper fermenta- 
tion a sufficient proportion of the alcoholic principle may 
be obtained ; but this does not give the particular nor yet 
the varied aroma for which some wines are so prized. Too 
much encouragament to the production of exterior develop- 
ment delays the formation of concentrated sugary matter, 
and those constituent properties which are derived from 
hydrogen and other gases, that form in the exact propor- 
tion those very desirable accompaniments which connois- 
seurs delight in. Oonsecjuently it is easily seen that 
moderate growth, with efficient drainage; must be the best, 
and that as these peculiar properties are invariably more 
highly concentrated under the influence of light and free 
air, ample space is essential to vineyard culture. Although 
our country is said to be " the land of the vine," it by no 
means follows that we may plant with impunity in any 
situation, or under any circumstances, and notwithstanding 
it is found that some varieties grow even in swamp land, 
and produce fine fruit withal, when left to ramble among 
the branches and overtop the loftiest neighboring trees, if 
we try the same in culture for wine purposes, it would in 
the greatest number of cases be nothing but a miserable 
failure ; firstly, on account of deficiency in the quality of 
fruit ; and secondly, there would be no certainty of it 
becoming ripe, from the liability to the rot. On the other 
hand, the locality may be in all respects suitable, but yet 
so exposed to violent storms, that the foliage may be in- 
jured and torn to the detriment of both fruit and plant, 
and therefore such should not be made choice of. Again, 



VINEYARD AND OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 163 

some caution should be exercised with regard to those 
aspects which lie open to the winds that bring with them 
tlie damp and fogs of summer ; consequently, it is objec- 
tionable to choose a slope toward the sea. Each tract of 
country has its own peculiarities, and an acqaintance with 
the neighborhood will enable any observant mind to de- 
cide in this particular. There is no advantage in following 
to the letter the advice of those avIio, too often, persist in 
believing a south-east slope to be imperatively necessary — 
men who may have prospered well enough in their own 
country and climate, are sometimes wedded to a certain 
faith, and have not always sufficient tractability of mind 
to alter their practice or adapt it to a difference of circum- 
stances. If we consider that along the eastern shores the 
damp air which is brought from the ocean almost invariably 
brings on a tendency to mildew and rot, it is evident that 
in such a region it would be much better to adopt a spot 
which is sheltered by higher ground on the eastern side. 
At the same time, a low or moist situation should by all 
means be avoided, or one where the air is liable to be 
stagnant at times. The next most important item is a dry 
under base ; a rough rubbly gravel subsoil, Avith a con- 
tinued descent below, will generally prove naturally well- 
drained, but in all examples to the contrary it ought to be 
made so by artificial means. 

Nothing conduces more to prosperity than a soil strongly 
impregnated with carbonate of lime, or having limestone 
rock beneath. If any body is sceptical in this, they may 
be easily convinced by referring to analysis, or more 
simply by examining the incrustation left on the edges of 
the leaves after the evaporation of that excessive perspira- 
tion, which sometimes takes place in hot and cloudy 
weather, while the growth of the plant is young. There 
is perhaps no plant which exhibits more clearly than does 



164 Till*: GRArE. 

the grape-vine, the oft-disputed fact that these inorganic 
substances are really absorbed. Here is a plain proof 
that they are, for according to the greater or less amount 
of lime in the soil, so will this appearance be manifest. It 
is most likely, that if all plants were so situated as to be 
enabled to take up the exact proportions of the various 
elementary food required by them, most of the diseases to 
which they are subject would disappear ; and certain 
enough it is, that all would be prevented, if we could con- 
trol the elements to suit the different stages of growth, 
and adapt the light and heat to all respective constitutions. 

In making choice of a piece of land for a vineyard, it 
is not always convenient to gain possession of the precise 
spot which our intelligence would covet ; but if it could 
be done, and there are many opportunities where it may 
be, we should accept an elevated tabk-land, lying high 
and dry upon a limestone base, and screened from the 
damp easterly and cold north and north-west winds by a 
distant range of hills, which would protect without pro- 
ducing a confined atmosphere, and give shelter against the 
most frigid blasts of a below zero temperature. 

We may also take a more philosophical view of the 
method of planting than is generally practised, and in- 
stead of fixing the plants in the position of so many hills 
of corn, and about the same distance apart, Avhen each 
stool requires a stake, and the bearing cane has to be 
curved over, thereby being only half supported, we would 
consider the aspect that might have to be dealt with, the 
inclination towards the sun's rays, and all such matters as 
would give opportunity for the most prevalent drying 
winds to blow through each row of vines, and in addition 
to expose the upper side of the leaves as much as possible 
to the action of the mid-day sun, in order the better to 
concentrate true growth, and prepare the plants to resist 



VINEYARD AND OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 165 

the violent and sudden changes of weather for which our 
climate is so proverbial. The following explanation will 
perhaps show more clearly what is here meant. After 
making choice of a suitable soil and situation, and making 
sure that the subsoil is well drained, commence to trench 
with the spade, or plough deeply the Avhole piece. If 
the spade be used and the soil shallow, this operation may 
be performed as follows : Take out a trench at one side, 
three feet wide and one spit deep; wheel or cart this to 
the other end, then loosen up the under soil another spit, 
break it up well and leave it in the bottom ; throw the 
next upper crust on the top of this, and so on until all is 
finished. Where a large extent is to be cultivated, it would 
become too expensive to trench, and the plough will have 
to do the work ; in which case, the subsoil plough ought to 
follow the top loosening. Where the soil is equally good 
the two spit -deep, the bottom may be turned to the top to 
advantage. Very little manure will be needed if the earth 
be in good heart, and well incorporated with vegetable 
matter, but otherwise it is advisable to work in at the 
same time, from ten to fifteen tons of decomposed barn- 
yard dung to the acre ; and if there be a deficiency of the 
alkaline bases, a dressing of lime and wood ashes will 
prove very beneficial. Although the roots of the grape 
vine, when established delight in an open turfy soil, a 
cross ploughing and harrowing will be required to pul- 
verize, sufficiently, the soil before planting, and give the 
young fibres a better chance to lay hold of it at first start. 
The work, also, ought to be done during the summer or 
previous early fall, so as to get into good condition by the 
time it may be wanted. 

There are many cultivators who think it absolutely 
necessary to choose a side-hill situation for the vineyard, 
and it must be admitted that such is often the best, but 



166 THE GRAPE. 

there is no reason why it shouhl be invariably accepted to 
the entire exchision of any other. However, where the 
disposition leads that way, and all the above-mentioneel 
considerations are not to be acquired, it will answer the 
purpose, and if the slope be anything like steep, the whole 
extent will have to be formed into terraces. This becomes 
more or less expensive according to the angle of ascent. 
It should also be remembered, that on a hill-side, the cold 
air, more particularly in the night, is constantly moving 
along the surface, from the top towards the bottom, there- 
by preventing that health-producing evaporation of warmth 
from the soil which is obtained from the solar heat of the 
previous day, and causing, in our extreme climate, a con- 
densation of the moisture as it radiates upwards, which is 
then carried along towards the lowest level in the form 
of a damp and cold draft among the under parts of the 
plants ; and it does not require a second thought to under- 
stand how injurious such a circumstance is in all other 
kinds-^of culture. No doubt many will think that such 
notions as these are not worthy of consideration, but as 
we are being troubled with rot, mildew, and other hurtful 
affections, it is well to guard against all things that are 
likely to provoke, or produce the evil, and avoid them 
accordingly. Arguing from the culture of the grape- 
vine, or any other plant under glass, we know that such 
action would bring on these very diseases; and it is not to 
inside cultivation alone that we are at all times dependent 
for proof, for there now and then happens an example 
where a plant is trained on two aspects, or the head is in 
different positions, when one part is quite free from disease, 
while the other is badly affected ; aiid it is just possible 
that these cold currents of damp air is one of the causes 
of mischief. 

To pro})are a side-hill for a vineyard, it will be requisite 



VINEYARD AND OUT-DOOR CULTURE, 167 

to form terraces from the bottom upwards, in width 
according to the steepness of ascent. If very abrupt, only 
one row of vines can be accommodated on each, but with 
a more gentle inclination the breadth may be sufficient 
for two or even three rows. The front will also require 
to be banked up to render the upper surface level, and 
there is nothing more suitable for the purpose than thick 
turfs of grass-sod, fixed on the edges, inclining from the 
perpendicular towards the bank. Generally speaking, 
these sods may be cut from the imm.ediate surface, when 
a portion of each length to be laid out will furnish enough 
material for its own front, and as there is a right and a 
wrong in this operation, like most other things, it may be 
of service to show the right. When a bank of this charac- 
ter is made of square sods, as seen in Fig. 30, they are 
subject to give way during the rains of the first summer, 
from the fact of there being no mechanical holdfast. Fig. 31 

Fiff. 30. Fig. 31. 



— Vr7 



□ ///// // 



shows how this may be obviated, and the trouble or ex- 
pense of workmanship is the same in both cases. The 
way to get these latter is, to simply cut down a few inches 
with the spade in a slanting direction, by a straight line 
at equal distances, as much as may be wanted, and after- 
ward cut to the same width, with the line placed diagon- 
ally to the first cutting, which will give each individual 
sod of the right size and form to push together, by merely 
reversing the bevelled edge at each rise on the height. 
The trenching, plowing, manuring, &c., will be the same 
in this as the before-noticed plan. The next thing to be 



168 THE GliAPE. 

done, is the preparing of supports upon wliicli to train the 
vines. 

The most common method of planting is, in straight 
rows from five to six feet apart, and at right angles with 
each other, and to simply have a pole to each vine ; the 
method of training being the long rod, explained page 
120. This answers the purpose very well and has be- 
come the most customary, in part from the introduced 
routine of Europe, and in some measure as a consideration 
of economy. As to the latter, there miiy be some saving 
to the pocket, but unless there are more than counter- 
balancing advantages, there is no use in following old 
customs, so long as better ones can be introduced, and in 
the present case, an improvement may be accomplished 
by cheap trellises, which may be made in the following 
manner : Prepare a quantity of good strong poles of 
locust, chestnut, oak, or ash, seven feet six inches; point 
and char these three feet on the lower end and drive 
them into the ground two feet six inches, in rows six feet 
apart, extending east and west, or as near these points as 
may be practicable, and the poles nine feet assunder ; next 
fix horizontally long narrow strips of wood, or straight 
but thin saplings, to the uprights, at a distance of one foot ; 
this will make a substantial trellis on which to train the 
vines, and be far superior, with very little more expense 
than the pole-to-one-vine that is so often made use of. It 
is high time for us to adopt a principle of neatness com- 
bined with utility, and endeavor to supersede all such 
primitive machinery. If we are to imitate, let it not be a 
retrograde movement, but onward progress ; and a still 
further improvement might be introduced in the trellis re- 
commended, by using galvanized iron wire for the hori- 
zontal supports. There is some prejudice existing against 
the use of wire as it has been thought that it does injury 



VINEYARD AND OUT-DOOR CULTURE. 169 

to the vines by the rusting' and their friction against so 
hard a material, but practically we do not find it so. Let 
the superintendent only attend to his duty without nurs- 
ing his old prejudices, and see to the proper tying, and 
our word for it, there will be no more detriment in wire 
than anything else. However, let everybody go along as 
he thinks best, only move onward, and as we are a great, 
and daily becoming a greater nation, let us not disappoint 
the expectations of the world by our want of originality. 

All may now be considered as ready for planting, and 
here again we have many notions to contend with. Cut- 
tings — one-year old, two-year old, and even three-ye'ar 
old plants, have each been considered as the best, accord- 
ing to the whims and fancies of pedantry. The fact is, we 
want a healthy start, at the least expense ; and as the 
plants must have a length of time to become profitable, 
what can be more economical, or insure future success 
better, than good one year vines 1 The more than half part 
of this business depends on previous preparation ; but, as 
this costs money, it is Avell, at the same time, to be getting- 
ready the future occupants ; consequently it is good advice 
to say ; raise the plants on one spot, and be preparing on 
the main superficial area ; or, if it be not convenient to 
propagate, adapt all contingencies so as to make sure of 
after results. 

A young and well-rooted plant will, if properly managed 
and attended, produce a greater growth than a stunted 
older one, with the additional advantage of being alike in 
all its parts ; what is true individually, will be so collect- 
ively, over the whole vineyard, and a greater uniformity 
will be obtained. In transplanting, take care that the 
roots are lifted carefully, and removed to their new quar- 
ters, before they become dried ; nothing produces more 
evil to any plant than this often careless practice. Roots 
8 



170 THE GRAPE. 

are organized beings^ containing fluid matter, and intended 
to convey most of the nutriment upward to the Avliole 
superstructure ; and if their tender cells become shrivelled, 
they are not capable of again performing their offices with 
the same degree of energy, but remain comparatively 
inactive for a length of time, or die immediately. If the 
top languishes, a weak start is the consequence, with per- 
haps the loss of a whole season. 

If the trellis be accepted, the rows may be six feet 
apart, and the plants four feet asunder ; but, in the ordi- 
nary way of staking, five feet each way will be the nearest 
possible distance. In putting down the roots, dig a hole 
six inclies deep, and wide enough for them to be spread 
out all around ; cover carefully Avith well pulverized soil ; 
cut off the head to two or three good eyes ; and, when the 
vines begin to start, mulch over, so far as the roots extend, 
with rotted barn-yard manure; or, if that cannot be had, 
then with any vegetable refuse, that is free from seeds, 
that may be at hand. 

When the shoots begin to elongate somewhat, it will be 
seen which is going to be the strongest, and all the others 
may be rubbed off. As this continues to grow, tie it up to 
the stake or trellis, pinch out the laterals (the small side- 
shoots which grow at the base of each leaf) to one eye, as 
they are produced, and rub off all superfluous suckers or 
branches. Nothing further will be required than to keep 
the ground free from Aveeds, by hoeing, or the plough, 
through the summer. The long-rod method of training is 
one of the best for the vineyard, but a periodical extension 
is still better, as it is more in accordance Avith the consti- 
tutional poAvers of the grape-vine, more particularly the 
strong, groAving natives, and alike applicable to all the 
varieties. Here is one of the greatest ad\'antages of the 
trellis versus the pole method, as Avith the latter no greater 



VINEYAKD AND OUT-DOOK CULTURE. 171 

bulk of plant than is acquired after the tliird year is 
practicable. A reference to the chapter on pruning will 
explain all respecting this part ; so there is no use in pur- 
suing the subject further, excepting to state that cleanli- 
ness is one of the first demands of the vineyard, and is sure 
to more than repay for the invested labor. 

The training over arbors, around dwellings, and all 
such positions, will require the same fundamental culture 
that has been explained for the vineyard, the only differ- 
ence being in the peculiar desires or fancy of the culti- 
vator with regard to the form of the plant. As the grape- 
vine is so lavish with its embracing arms, they may be 
entwined around or over anything that will give them 
support ; the whole plant will continue to delight the eye 
with its beauty, and gratify the palate with its luscious 
sweets, if kindly treated. Even with worse than careless- 
ness, we may enjoy a portion of its liberality ; but, accord- 
ing as kindness is bestowed, so may we expect to meet 
with an abundant gratitude ; for, like the hetUr part of 
humanity, it can appreciate, and will fully return former 
benevolence. 



m^L?" CONGRESS ' 






oooo^iiati^Q 



